Do Glasses Really Prevent Vision Changes During Growth? - Ophthalmology

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The question of whether wearing glasses can prevent vision changes during growth is a common concern, especially among adolescents and their parents. The short answer is that wearing glasses does not inherently stop the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) or other refractive errors.
When you wear glasses, they help you see more clearly by compensating for your eye's inability to focus light directly on the retina. However, the underlying causes of myopia, which often include genetic factors and prolonged near work (like reading or using screens), are not directly addressed by simply wearing corrective lenses.
In your case, you mentioned that your prescription increased from 200 degrees to 450 degrees despite wearing glasses for a significant portion of the day. This increase in myopia can be attributed to several factors:
1. Genetics: If there is a family history of myopia, you may be predisposed to developing it, regardless of whether you wear glasses.

2. Near Work: Engaging in activities that require prolonged focus on close objects, such as reading or using electronic devices, can contribute to the progression of myopia. The eye muscles may become fatigued, leading to a temporary condition known as pseudomyopia, which can sometimes be mistaken for a permanent increase in myopia.

3. Environmental Factors: Lack of outdoor activity has been linked to increased rates of myopia. Studies suggest that spending more time outdoors may help slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents.

4. Age and Development: As you are still in a developmental stage, your eyes are still growing, which can lead to changes in your vision. It is common for myopia to progress during childhood and adolescence.

While wearing glasses is essential for clear vision, they do not prevent the eye from changing. However, there are some strategies that may help manage myopia progression:
- Regular Eye Exams: Frequent check-ups with an eye care professional can help monitor changes in your vision and allow for timely adjustments to your prescription.

- Outdoor Activities: Increasing the amount of time spent outdoors can be beneficial. Research indicates that natural light exposure may help slow the progression of myopia.

- Limit Near Work: Taking regular breaks during prolonged near work can help reduce eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule is a good guideline: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

- Orthokeratology: This is a non-surgical procedure where specially designed contact lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. Some studies suggest this method can slow myopia progression.

- Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown in some studies to slow the progression of myopia in children.

In conclusion, while wearing glasses is crucial for correcting vision, they do not prevent the underlying changes in the eye that lead to increased myopia. It is essential to adopt a holistic approach that includes regular eye care, outdoor activities, and managing near work to help mitigate the progression of myopia during your growth years. If you have concerns about your vision or the progression of myopia, it is advisable to consult with an eye care professional who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific situation.