Myopia
“Near-sighted.”

When the eye puts distant objects into focus just in front of the retina, but not on the retina, this is called “myopia.” The image ends up “near” to the retina, but doesn’t quite make it all the way – the eye is thus “near-sighted.” No matter how much focusing is done by the natural lens, the image cannot be focused onto the retina. Therefore, in order to make a distant object into clear image on the retina, an artificial lens is placed in front of the eye (glasses or contact lens) to shift the image onto the retina. Myopic people need glasses (or contact lenses, or LASIK) in order to see distant objects. Myopia does not disappear over time, and actually tends to increase – as the eye grows microscopically, the image gets further from the retina and the strength of glasses must correct for this change. To date, there is no sound scientific evidence that any treatment prevents or slows myopia; claims to the contrary should be met with skepticism. Fortunately, the vast majority of myopic people retain the ability to see perfectly well, with optical correction, and have healthy eyes.

Without glasses, myopic people can clearly see objects that are close; just how close is determined by the degree of myopia. Very myopic people are only able to see objects that are very close. Myopic people need glasses (or contact lenses, or LASIK) in order to see distant objects. Myopia does not disappear over time, and actually tends to increase – as the eye grows microscopically, the image gets further from the retina and the strength of glasses must correct for this change. To date, there is no sound scientific evidence that any treatment prevents or slows myopia; claims to the contrary should be met with skepticism. Fortunately, the vast majority of myopic people retain the ability to see perfectly well, with optical correction, and have healthy eyes.

Answers to common myths about myopia

If my child uses her glasses all the time, she become dependent on them
Sure, just as you are dependent on listening to conversation at a volume greater than a whisper. While you could listen to people whispering all day long, wouldn’t this be hard to do? Isn’t it wonderful that people speak up so they can be heard? People with myopia may be able to “get by” without their glasses, but it’s not easy – people with myopia appreciate how much better they can see once they get used to their glasses.


Using glasses will weaken the eyes
Nonsense! The eyes will not “wear out” from using glasses anymore than the sense of hearing “wears out” from listening to things at a normal volume all day. Imagine if your parents had told everybody around you only to whisper so that your hearing wouldn’t “get weak.” Bet you wouldn’t have liked that! Why would you deprive your child of the ability to see clearly? Does the sense of smell, touch, or taste wear out from being used constantly? Why would the eyes? Sometimes, not wearing myopic glasses can lead to vision loss (amblyopia).


If my child needs glasses, does this mean that he has “weak eyes?
So long as the vision can be corrected to the normal range with glasses, then the eyes are not “weak.” When the structures of the eye are healthy and all that is needed is some help with putting things into focus, the eyes are considered healthy. Unfortunately, there are certain eye diseases where the vision cannot be improved to normal with glasses (or contact lenses).


The glasses should be worn only to see the board
Without question, children with myopia who need glasses to see things clearly should wear their glasses in order to see the board at school – it would be a shame for your child to do poorly in school because she couldn’t see the lessons and assignments. However, if your child needs glasses to see well, why wouldn’t you want her to see well all of the time? The glasses should be worn only to see the board. Without question, children with myopia who need glasses to see things clearly should wear their glasses in order to see the board at school – it would be a shame for your child to do poorly in school because she couldn’t see the lessons and assignments. However, if your child needs glasses to see well, why wouldn’t you want her to see well all of the time?


If my eyes are fine, then how did this happen?
Myopia is not anybody’s “fault.” But, if it makes you feel better, then you can always blame the other parent and their family (just kidding). Seriously, while there is some familial tendency for myopia, the genetics are not very clear-cut and myopia “just happens.”


My child should have her eyes examined every few months now
People with myopia should have a thorough eye exam once a year (or so) in order to make any adjustments in the glasses. If your child reports blurry vision before one year, however, then it may be necessary to make an adjustment in their prescription sooner.
   
Fresh Meadows (718) 468-9800 Woodside