Can Vision Training Help Reduce My Son's Severe Myopia? - Ophthalmology

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Hello! Thank you for your question regarding your son's severe myopia and the potential benefits of vision training. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. In severe cases, such as your son's with a prescription of -8.00 diopters, it is understandable to seek ways to manage or reduce the progression of myopia.

Vision training, also known as vision therapy, involves a series of exercises designed to improve visual skills and processing. While some parents and practitioners advocate for vision training, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in significantly reducing myopia is limited. Most studies suggest that vision training may help with specific visual skills, such as eye coordination and focusing, but it does not fundamentally change the eye's structure or significantly reduce myopia.

Regarding your question about whether a reduction in myopia would lead to changes in the eye's structure or axial length, it is important to understand how myopia develops. Myopia is primarily caused by an elongation of the eyeball (axial length) or an increase in the curvature of the cornea. These structural changes are often influenced by genetic factors and environmental factors, such as prolonged near work and limited outdoor activities.
In children and adolescents, the eyes are still developing, and there is potential for changes in axial length as they grow. However, while vision training may strengthen the eye muscles, it is unlikely to reverse the elongation of the eyeball that characterizes myopia. The primary goal of vision training is to improve visual function rather than to alter the anatomical structure of the eye.

To address your concerns about your son becoming highly myopic, there are several evidence-based strategies that can be more effective than vision training alone:
1. Outdoor Activities: Encourage your son to spend more time outdoors. Studies have shown that increased outdoor time can help slow the progression of myopia in children.

2. Reduced Near Work: Limit the amount of time spent on near work activities, such as reading or using electronic devices. Implementing the 20-20-20 rule can be beneficial: every 20 minutes, have him look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

3. Regular Eye Exams: Ensure that your son has regular eye examinations with an eye care professional. They can monitor his vision and provide appropriate interventions if necessary.

4. Myopia Control Options: Discuss with your eye care provider about myopia control options, such as orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or atropine eye drops, which have been shown to help slow myopia progression in children.

5. Healthy Visual Habits: Teach your son about proper lighting, maintaining a good reading distance, and taking regular breaks during prolonged near work.

In conclusion, while vision training may have some benefits for visual skills, it is unlikely to significantly reduce severe myopia or change the underlying structure of the eye. Focusing on outdoor activities, managing near work, and exploring myopia control options with an eye care professional may be more effective strategies for managing your son's myopia. Always consult with a qualified eye care provider to discuss the best approach tailored to your son's specific needs. Thank you for your question, and I wish you and your son the best in managing his vision!