No, glasses do not stop myopia (nearsightedness). While they improve vision, they do not address the underlying causes of myopia progression.
Understanding Myopia and Glasses
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, or the cornea and lens are too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, leading to blurry distance vision. Glasses correct this refractive error, making vision clear again. However, they don't change the shape or growth of the eye itself.
Why Glasses Don't Stop Myopia Progression
According to the provided reference, glasses are not a solution for controlling progressive myopia. Here's why:
- Glasses correct vision, not the cause: Glasses simply refocus light onto the retina to achieve clear vision. They don't address the factors causing the eye to elongate or change shape.
- Myopia is a developmental issue: Myopia often progresses during childhood and adolescence as the eye grows. This growth is influenced by various factors, including genetics and environment.
- Glasses alone cannot control growth: Wearing glasses does not stop the eye from continuing to grow and change, thus it cannot stop myopia progression.
What Can Be Done to Manage Myopia?
While glasses don't stop myopia progression, there are management strategies, including:
- Specialized Contact Lenses: These lenses aim to slow down the progression of myopia.
- Atropine Eye Drops: Low doses of atropine can help to slow down myopia progression.
- Orthokeratology: Also known as ortho-k, involves wearing special rigid gas permeable contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea and improve vision during the day.
- Lifestyle Changes: Ensuring children spend enough time outdoors in natural light has been shown to be a protective factor against myopia progression.
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Glasses | Myopia Control Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Corrects vision | Aims to slow myopia progression |
| Addresses | Refractive error | Underlying cause of myopia |
| Impact on Myopia | Does not stop progression | Can slow progression |
In conclusion, while glasses are essential for providing clear vision to people with myopia, they don't address the underlying cause of myopia progression. Seeking alternative treatment options can help to manage myopia.
