Understanding Myopia: A Critical Guide for Teenagers

As a teenager, you might experience vision changes that seem unrelated to the simple act of not wearing your glasses. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common condition that affects many young individuals. In this article, we will explore the complexities of myopia and address the concern many teenagers face: Will my vision worsen if I do not wear my glasses all the time?

What is Myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition in which the eyeballs grow too optically long. This condition typically develops during growth and stabilizes around the age of 17-21. Myopia is hereditary and appears to be a genetic condition that is influenced by environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle.

While the exact reasons behind the increasing prevalence of myopia among teenagers are debatable, one prevailing theory is that the growth of myopia is associated with the growth process itself. Japanese history offers a compelling example of this phenomenon. Before World War I, Japanese people were often small and did not typically wear glasses. However, after the shift towards a Western diet, there was a marked increase in height and myopia rates. This rapid increase in both height and myopia is attributed to the accelerated growth and development of the eye.

Myopia and Myopia Control

Currently, there is no treatment available to control the growth of the eyes. However, once growth has ceased, surgical correction such as LASIK becomes an option for permanent vision correction.

Understanding Pseudomyopia

It’s important to distinguish between pseudomyopia and true myopia. Pseudomyopia occurs when the focusing muscles of the eye cramp, making it difficult to focus on distant objects even with the correct prescription. This condition can often be diagnosed by measuring the vision after using dilating drops, which temporarily relax the focusing muscles. Some treatments for myopia might appear successful simply because they address pseudomyopia, which is easily mistaken for true myopia.

Complications of High Myopia

High myopia, or myopia of -6.00D or more, carries a higher risk of certain complications. These complications are thought to be due to the stress between the sclera (the outer tough layer of the eye) and the retina (the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye), which are derived from different types of tissue during embryonic development.

Managing Myopia with Eyewear

When you need glasses or contacts, a common question is whether to wear them all the time or only when needed. Glasses can correct the optical error caused by myopia by providing a clear vision when your eyes are relaxed. When an object comes into focus, your eyes use the natural process of accommodation to keep the object in focus, which is normal. By wearing your glasses, you allow your eyes to behave in a natural way.

Wearing glasses constantly does not make myopia better or worse. Taking them off is similar to temporarily switching to reading glasses if your prescription is moderate. For those who need to wear glasses frequently, it is generally advisable to wear them all the time to avoid the hassle of frequently losing or misplacing them.

Common Myopia Correction Methods

Myopia can be corrected with eyeglasses, contacts, or orthokeratology. Orthokeratology involves wearing special contact lenses at night to reshape the cornea, correcting vision without the need for glasses during the day. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, is another method to change the curvature of the cornea permanently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, myopia is a common and largely hereditary condition that does not worsen simply from not wearing your glasses all the time. Wearing glasses all the time, especially if you need them frequently, can help your eyes to function in a more natural and relaxed manner. This is particularly important for teenagers, who are still growing and developing.

Remember, the most important thing is to consult a professional ophthalmologist if you have concerns about your vision or if you think you may have myopia. They can provide you with the best guidance tailored to your specific needs.