[Medical Q&A] My child is nearsighted. Is there any other solution besides wearing glasses?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Liu Wen, deputy chief physician, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University

The answer is yes. If your child is nearsighted and does not want to wear glasses, you can first choose orthokeratology lenses. Orthokeratology lenses (OK lenses) are a special type of contact lens that can be worn at night to temporarily change the shape of the cornea, allowing children to maintain normal vision during the day, so that they do not need to wear glasses. At the same time, it can inhibit the growth of the eye axis and effectively alleviate the progression of myopia. Secondly, for children whose myopia control is still not ideal after wearing glasses or using orthokeratology lenses for optical correction, low-concentration atropine eye drops can be added, which has also been proven to effectively slow the development of myopia. However, parents should note that wearing orthokeratology lenses requires strict compliance with usage specifications to prevent infection and other complications. Atropine eye drops also need to be used under the supervision of a doctor to avoid potential adverse reactions.

Regardless of the method used, good eye habits and regular vision tests are the key to controlling the development of myopia. Paying attention to eye hygiene and habits, maintaining correct reading and writing postures, controlling eye time, and doing eye exercises regularly can also help control myopia.