Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision problem in children today, especially since kids are spending more time in front of screens. As a result, myopia is becoming more common each year. Many parents, noticing their child's myopia, wonder, “Will wearing glasses make my child's myopia worse?” This question is on the minds of many parents, so let's take a closer look at it.
What Causes Myopia?
Myopia happens when the eye doesn’t focus light properly. Normally, light entering the eye should focus on the retina at the back of the eye. However, in a myopic eye, the light focuses in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry.
Myopia can develop because of several factors, including genetics, the environment, and lifestyle. Studies show that if parents are myopic, their children are more likely to develop myopia as well. Also, spending too much time doing close-up activities, like reading, using smartphones, and working on computers, can strain the eyes and may contribute to myopia.
Does Wearing Glasses Make Myopia Worse?
A common myth among parents is that wearing glasses might make their child's myopia worse. However, this concern is not true. Glasses do not cause myopia to worsen; they just correct the refractive error, allowing children to see clearly. They are an important part of managing vision problems.
When children with myopia wear glasses, they can see more clearly. This can actually help prevent eye strain and symptoms like headaches. Without glasses, children may squint or strain their eyes to see better, which can lead to discomfort and even more vision problems. Glasses provide the right correction but do not make myopia worse.
Why Does Myopia Get Worse?
Myopia gets worse because of two main factors: genetics and environmental factors.
Genetics: A child is more likely to develop myopia if one or both parents have it. If both parents are nearsighted, the child’s chance of getting myopia is higher. But genetics alone doesn’t decide if myopia will get worse—it’s just one factor.
Environmental Factors: Studies show that doing too much close-up work, like reading or using digital devices without breaks, can increase the risk of myopia getting worse. On the other hand, spending time outside and getting natural sunlight has been shown to slow down the progression of myopia. Some studies suggest that children who spend at least two hours outside each day have a lower chance of developing worse myopia.
What Can Parents Do to Help?
Even though glasses don’t make myopia worse, there are things parents can do to help slow down the worsening of their child’s myopia:
- Encourage Outdoor Play: Studies show that kids who spend more time outside tend to have slower myopia progression. Sunlight helps the eyes focus on distant objects, which can reduce the risk of myopia getting worse.
- Limit Screen Time: Too much screen time can cause eye strain and make myopia worse. Parents should encourage their children to take breaks from screens and avoid long periods of screen use without rest.
- Promote Good Visual Habits: Encourage children to keep a proper distance when reading (around 12-16 inches from their eyes) and to take breaks often from close work. The 20-20-20 rule is helpful: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Regular Eye Checkups: Regular eye exams are important for tracking any changes in your child’s vision. If needed, early treatment can help slow the progression of myopia and prevent further vision problems.
Key Takaway
Wearing glasses doesn’t make myopia worse; it only corrects the refractive error and allows children to see more clearly. The progression of myopia is mostly influenced by genetics and environmental factors, like too much close work and not enough time spent outside. By encouraging good visual habits, promoting outdoor play, and limiting screen time, parents can help slow down the progression of myopia and protect their child’s eye health.
References:
- "Myopia and Its Progression: The Role of Genetics and Environment." American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2020.
- "Effect of Outdoor Activity on Myopia Progression." JAMA Ophthalmology, 2019.
- "The Impact of Screen Time on Children’s Eyes: A Review of the Literature." Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, 2018.
- "Managing Myopia in Children: A Comprehensive Review." Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 2021.
