To begin, let’s explore the first question.
“Can you please advise whether OK lenses or spectacle frames are more suitable for a 7.5 years old with approximately -0.50 degrees of myopia? Additionally, could you outline the pros and cons?”
The decision largely depends on parental considerations.
Opting for OK lenses may be preferred to avoid young children resisting the use of spectacles. However, given the relatively low myopia degree of 0.50, some parents might find the cost of OK lenses higher and choose traditional spectacle frames instead.
Several common myopia control lenses incorporating defocus lenses are effective for low-level myopia.
Regarding the advantages and disadvantages of specific myopia control lens brands, we won’t delve into details in this blog post. Generally, if the principles are similar, the outcomes tend to be comparable.
It’s essential to note that a drawback of spectacles is their daytime use requirement, needing to be worn for 12 hours daily. If the child can endure and doesn’t resist, it remains a viable option. Additionally, spectacles may need frequent updates as prescriptions change, sometimes every 6-12 months.
“I have a query regarding my first-grade child, who has 0.50 degrees of astigmatism and +1.25 degrees of hyperopia. If my child experiences visual fatigue, is wearing glasses the only solution, or are there alternative approaches to address this issue?”
A 6-year-old child with a long-sightedness of +1.25 degrees typically doesn’t require glasses.
However, the parents have noted that the child experiences visual fatigue, prompting the need to investigate the underlying causes.
Eyestrain, a common binocular vision issue, is particularly relevant for 6-year-olds. It’s crucial to assess whether the child has significant esophoria or exophoria, and potentially vertical alignment problems.
Once these evaluations are conducted by a professional Optometrist, a clinical diagnosis is established based on the child’s specific circumstances. Even if all test results appear normal, it’s important to consider the possibility of dry eye symptoms, as they can also present as visual fatigue.
“Following 30 minutes of near-work and a 10-minute break, is it necessary to maintain focus at a distance of 6 meters during the resting period?”
It is beneficial to gaze into the distance during the 10-minute break, as this relaxes the ciliary muscles, diminishes accommodative tension, and consequently reduces hyperopic defocus.
However, in situations where such conditions are not available—such as a child confined to a classroom—maintaining a distance of 6 meters or even 3 meters is acceptable.
