On the path of learning, many of us have had similar experiences: books getting closer and closer, words on the blackboard becoming increasingly blurred, every attempt to squint and strain to recognize something posing a challenge to our vision.
With the silent arrival of myopia, eyeglasses have become an indispensable part of our lives. However, the notion that wearing eyeglasses can increase myopia has lingered like an unsolvable mystery, troubling countless individuals and their families.
I. Causes and Classification of Myopia
Myopia, a common ophthalmic disease, has complex and diverse causes. Simply put, myopia occurs when the parallel light rays, after passing through the refractive system of the eye while the eye is in a relaxed state of accommodation, focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. The causes of myopia can be broadly divided into internal and external factors.
Internal Factors:
Genetic Factors: Myopia has a genetic tendency, especially for high myopia. If there is a history of myopia in the family, the probability of offspring developing myopia may increase accordingly.
Developmental Factors: During infancy and early childhood, the eyeball is smaller and often manifests as hyperopia. As age increases, the axial length of the eye gradually elongates, and vision gradually trends towards normal. However, if development is excessive and the axial length becomes too long, myopia may develop.
External Factors:
Environmental Factors: Engaging in close work for extended periods, such as reading, writing, and using computers, as well as a lack of outdoor activities, are significant factors contributing to the occurrence and progression of myopia. Especially among adolescent students, the prevalence of myopia has risen significantly, closely related to prolonged close-up eye use.
Myopia is also classified into true myopia and pseudomyopia. Pseudomyopia occurs due to temporary dysfunction of the lens and ciliary muscle, causing visual images to fail to focus on the retina, but without changes in axial length. True myopia, on the other hand, results from elongated axial length and posterior displacement of the retina, causing visual images to fail to focus on the retina.
II. Myths and Truths About Wearing Eyeglasses
Facing myopia, many people have doubts about wearing eyeglasses, fearing that once they put them on, their myopia will continue to worsen. So, does wearing eyeglasses really lead to an increase in myopia?
Scientific research indicates:
Currently, no scientific studies have proven that wearing eyeglasses increases the degree of true myopia. In fact, failing to wear appropriate eyeglasses and allowing the eyes to remain in a state of blurred vision for a long time may accelerate the progression of myopia. Squinting and other actions can compress the eyeball, prolong the axial length, and thus exacerbate myopia.
Therefore, for patients with true myopia, wearing eyeglasses with the appropriate prescription is crucial. By wearing suitable eyeglasses, refractive errors can be corrected, controlling the rapid decline in vision. Additionally, wearing eyeglasses can reduce the burden on the eyes, alleviate visual fatigue, and help protect eye health.
III. Myths and Countermeasures in Myopia Prevention and Control
In the process of myopia prevention and control, many people fall into incorrection, leading to a continuous increase in myopia. Here are some common myths and countermeasures:
Myth 1: Believing that wearing eyeglasses will increase myopia.
Countermeasure: Correctly understand the importance of wearing eyeglasses and promptly visit a formal hospital for optometry and eyeglass prescription. If diagnosed with true myopia, wear eyeglasses with the appropriate prescription for correction.
Myth 2: Neglecting eye hygiene.
Countermeasure: Pay attention to eye hygiene, such as maintaining correct reading postures, controlling screen time, and avoiding reading in overly bright or dim lighting. Additionally, undergo regular eye examinations to promptly detect and address eye problems.
Myth 3: Blindly believing in myopia treatment devices or medications.
Countermeasure: Currently, there is no scientific proof that myopia treatment devices or medications can cure myopia completely. Therefore, do not blindly believe advertising claims to avoid wasting money and time, or even causing damage to the eyes.
Myth 4: Ignoring the importance of outdoor activities.
Countermeasure: Studies have shown that outdoor activities can effectively prevent the occurrence and progression of myopia. Therefore, it is recommended that adolescent students engage in at least 2 hours of outdoor activities daily to allow their eyes to rest and relax sufficiently.
IV. Comprehensive Strategies for Myopia Prevention and Control
Myopia prevention and control is a systematic project requiring consideration of multiple factors. Here are some effective strategies:
Proper Eye Use: Pay attention to maintaining correct reading postures and eye distances, controlling screen time, and avoiding prolonged continuous eye use. After using the eyes for a period, take breaks to gaze into the distance or perform eye massages.
Balanced Diet: Consume foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and trace elements such as zinc and selenium, such as carrots, spinach, and animal liver, to help protect eye health.
Regular Examinations: Undergo regular eye examinations to promptly detect and address eye problems. For adolescent students, undergoing at least one eye examination per year is necessary.
