Can Eye Drops Correct My Child's Vision After Wearing Glasses?

Vision problems

Hello, doctor.
I would like to know if a child with myopia of over 200 degrees, who has been wearing glasses for 2 to 3 months, is experiencing difficulty seeing some distant letters clearly.
Can eye drops be used to correct vision (as they were used before wearing glasses), or is it necessary to change the prescription of the lenses?

Danxin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/21

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology

Hello, it is recommended to first use myopia eye drops and then determine if a lens change is necessary.

Reply Date: 2016/04/21

More Info

When it comes to addressing your child's vision issues, particularly after wearing glasses for a few months, it's essential to understand the role of eye drops and the need for potential adjustments in their prescription.
Firstly, eye drops are generally not a substitute for corrective lenses when it comes to refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness). While there are some eye drops being researched for conditions like myopia control, such as atropine drops, these are not designed to correct vision in the same way that glasses or contact lenses do. Atropine drops can help slow the progression of myopia in children, but they do not provide immediate visual correction. Therefore, if your child is experiencing difficulties seeing distant objects clearly, it is unlikely that eye drops will resolve this issue.

In your case, since your child has been wearing glasses for 2-3 months and is still having trouble seeing clearly at a distance, it may be time to reassess their prescription. Vision can change rapidly in children, especially during growth spurts, and it’s not uncommon for their refractive error to increase. If your child was previously using eye drops to manage their vision before getting glasses, it’s important to consult with an eye care professional to determine if the current prescription is still appropriate or if it needs to be adjusted.

Here are some steps you can take:
1. Schedule an Eye Exam: It's crucial to have your child’s eyes examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine if there has been a change in your child's vision and whether the current glasses prescription is still suitable.

2. Discuss Symptoms: When you visit the eye care professional, make sure to discuss the specific symptoms your child is experiencing, such as difficulty seeing distant letters clearly. This information will help the doctor make a more informed decision regarding the need for a new prescription.

3. Consider Myopia Management: If your child is diagnosed with myopia, discuss options for myopia management. This may include specialized lenses, such as dual-focus or multifocal lenses, or even the use of orthokeratology (corneal reshaping lenses) that can help control the progression of myopia.

4. Evaluate Eye Drops: If your child was previously using eye drops for vision correction, discuss with the eye care professional whether it is appropriate to continue using them or if they should be replaced with a different treatment plan.

5. Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on any changes in your child's vision and report these to the eye care provider. Regular check-ups are essential for children, especially if they are experiencing rapid changes in their eyesight.

In conclusion, while eye drops can play a role in managing certain eye conditions, they are not a direct substitute for corrective lenses in cases of refractive errors like myopia. If your child is having trouble seeing clearly with their current glasses, it is advisable to seek a professional evaluation to determine the best course of action, which may include updating their glasses prescription. Regular eye care is vital for maintaining your child's vision and overall eye health.

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