As a parent, it can feel frustrating and confusing. You got your child special defocus lenses to slow down their myopia, but during the next eye check, you still see the numbers on the chart going up. You may start to wonder: “Are these glasses even working?” or “Did I do something wrong?”
My child has been wearing defocus glasses for six months, but at the recent eye check, her vision still got worse. This really confused me. I thought these glasses were supposed to slow down myopia, so why is the degree still going up? Do these glasses even work? If you’ve had the same questions, let’s take a closer look together.
The truth is, myopia (nearsightedness) is complex, and while defocus lenses can help, they are not magic. Let’s break this down together in a simple way.
What Are Defocus Lenses?
Defocus lenses, sometimes called myopia control lenses, are designed to reduce how fast the eye grows longer. When the eye grows too long, light doesn’t focus properly, and the child becomes more nearsighted. These lenses spread the light in a way that signals the eye to slow down its growth. Many studies show they can help, but they do not completely stop progression.
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Why Myopia Still Gets Worse
Even with defocus lenses, some kids’ eyes keep getting worse. This doesn’t mean the glasses are useless, but that there are other factors at play:
- Genetics: If both parents are nearsighted, the child’s risk is much higher.
- Outdoor Time: Children who spend little time outdoors often have faster eye growth. Natural light helps slow myopia.
- Screen Use and Reading: Long hours on phones, tablets, or books at a close distance can speed up progression.
- Eye Axis Growth: The eye’s “axial length” may still grow, even with treatment. Lenses can slow but not reverse it.
- Age: Younger kids often progress faster. The earlier myopia starts, the higher it may go.
Common Misunderstandings Parents Have
Many parents think once their child wears defocus lenses, myopia will stop. In reality, the goal is slowing down, not freezing the numbers. Think of it like using a seatbelt in a car accident—it makes things safer, but it cannot prevent the accident itself.
How to Support Your Child’s Eyes Alongside Defocus Lenses
- Encourage Outdoor Play: At least 2 hours a day helps a lot.
- Control Screen Time: Use the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
- Proper Reading Habits: Keep books 30–40 cm away, avoid reading in bed or in dim light.
- Regular Eye Checks: Keep up with eye exams every 6–12 months to track axial length and vision.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Enough sleep, balanced diet, and less stress also support eye health.
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When to Reconsider Other Options
If myopia is still getting worse quickly despite lenses, talk to your doctor about:
- Low-dose Atropine eye drops (0.01–0.05%), which can slow progression.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, special contact lenses worn overnight.
- Combination therapy (defocus lenses + atropine or outdoor time).
Real Parent Story
One mom shared that her daughter’s myopia kept going up even with defocus glasses. She felt discouraged. After reviewing her daughter’s habits, the doctor noticed she spent 5–6 hours daily on a tablet indoors. Once they cut screen time and added outdoor play, her eye growth slowed down more clearly. This shows lenses are only part of the bigger picture.
FAQ
Q1: Do defocus lenses really work?
Yes, they are proven to slow down myopia, but they cannot completely stop it.
Q2: Why is my child’s degree still increasing every year?
Because myopia is a growth condition. The goal is to slow it down so it doesn’t reach very high levels.
Q3: Are there kids who don’t respond to defocus lenses?
Yes, some kids respond better than others. Genetics, habits, and age make a difference.
Q4: Should I switch to Atropine or Ortho-K?
Ask your eye doctor. Sometimes a combination works best, but it depends on your child’s case.
Q5: Will my child’s vision ever go back to normal?
No, myopia cannot be reversed. But with proper control, you can protect your child from very high degrees.
