Preventing Myopia in Children: Are Special Reading Glasses Effective?

Q: Preventing Myopia in Children: Are Special Reading Glasses Effective?

Hello： Theoretically, these glasses can help children avoid straining their eyes at close distances, which should help slow the progression of myopia. <br>However, these types of glasses may not be available from regular optical companies. <br>You might want to consult Dr. <br>Li

Special reading glasses for myopia prevention?

Hello, Doctor.
I would like to inquire about the special glasses mentioned by a physician online: (http://www.eyedrlin.com.tw/front/bin/ptlist.phtml?Category=132822).
My child is five years old and currently does not have myopia.
However, the father has severe myopia, and I want to prevent my child from developing it.
I would like to ask if it is possible to prescribe "reading glasses" with the same prescription for both lenses (not bifocal), where the entire lens consists of "250 diopters of convex lens + 4△ prism" (without distinguishing between the upper and lower parts), to be worn while drawing and writing? This would serve as "children's glasses for myopia prevention." In the absence of long-acting cycloplegic agents, is this method effective for myopia prevention? Thank you! (Or would it be better to combine it with long-acting cycloplegic agents?)

paoyongfang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/27

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Theoretically, these glasses can help children avoid straining their eyes at close distances, which should help slow the progression of myopia.
However, these types of glasses may not be available from regular optical companies.
You might want to consult Dr.
Lin about this.
The ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Please note that online responses are for reference only; it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if necessary.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2016/07/27

More Info

When it comes to preventing myopia (nearsightedness) in children, especially in a case like yours where there is a family history of myopia, it’s essential to consider various factors, including the use of special reading glasses. Your idea of using reading glasses with a prescription of +2.50 diopters and a 4 prism diopter for your five-year-old child is interesting, but there are several points to consider.

Firstly, the primary goal of using glasses for children who do not currently have myopia is to reduce eye strain during close-up tasks, such as reading or drawing. The prescription you mentioned could theoretically help in reducing the effort required by the eye muscles when focusing on near objects. However, it is crucial to understand that the effectiveness of such glasses in preventing myopia is not well-established in scientific literature. While they may provide some comfort, they do not guarantee that myopia will be prevented.

The current consensus among eye care professionals is that the most effective strategies for myopia prevention include limiting prolonged near work, ensuring regular breaks during close-up activities (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds), and increasing outdoor time. Studies have shown that spending more time outdoors can significantly reduce the risk of developing myopia. This is thought to be due to the exposure to natural light and the opportunity for the eyes to focus on distant objects.

Regarding the use of long-acting atropine eye drops, there is evidence suggesting that low-dose atropine can be effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children. However, the decision to use atropine should be made in consultation with an eye care professional, considering the potential side effects and the specific needs of your child. It is also worth noting that atropine is typically recommended for children who already show signs of myopia rather than for those who are currently myopia-free.

In your case, since your child does not have myopia yet, it may be more beneficial to focus on preventive measures such as encouraging outdoor play, limiting screen time, and ensuring that any close-up work is done with regular breaks. If you are considering the use of glasses, it would be best to consult with a pediatric optometrist or ophthalmologist who can provide personalized advice based on your child’s specific situation.

In summary, while special reading glasses may offer some comfort and potentially reduce eye strain, they are not a guaranteed method for preventing myopia. The most effective strategies involve a combination of lifestyle changes, including increased outdoor activity and proper visual habits. If you have further concerns or questions, it is always advisable to seek professional guidance from an eye care specialist who can provide tailored recommendations for your child’s eye health.

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