Question
Hi Doctor
My child is 5 years old.recently we come to know he has myopia with power SPH .5 for right eye and 1.00for left eye.He is pre term baby and from last one years regularly playing on laptop.We are very confused that what was the actual reason for him to be myopic.
We are also worried for him.Just want to know that if he could ever recover his power or with age his power will increase?One more thing what supplements can we give him so that his power atleast could not increase.
Please suggest us a better way cos we are not getting answers propery here from our doctor.And also tell us what type of glases we should use for him(reading glasses or something else).For now he is using polycarburated lenses.
Thanx a lot
Rajni
Answer
Dear Rajni:
It is unfortunate that you are not getting satisfactory answers from your doctor. Perhaps schedule an appointment with a physician who is more communicative and who is comfortable addressing your concerns about your 5 year old child.
Simply put, the prescription you list indicates relatively mild myopia (nearsightedness) which typically causes distance blur. Typically also the 0.50 Diopter power corrects vision in the 20/30 range and the 1.00 diopter power usually corrects visual acuity of 20/40-20/50 range. The question becomes whether or not it is imperative to treat youngsters of that age. Some physicians believe that it is , because amblyopia (lazy eye ) can develop if the refractive error is not treated, ; others believe that it is not necessary for a Kindergarten aged child to have 20/20 vision and may recommend putting it off and rechecking the child at a later date so long as complaints or an eye turn is not present. On the other hand, if eyeglasses are prescribed, the liklihood of stronger lenses become greater as the child grows and matures, especially if there is a strong family history of myopia or hyperopia or astigmatism. As far as nutritional supplements given to thwart off increasing presciption power, I know of none. There has been nothing in the ophthalmic literature indicating that this is true. Polycarbonated lenses are presribed for children primarily because they are thinner, lighter, scratch-resistant, and most importantly DO NOT SHATTER. Hope this helps, Dr. Ken
