Why do we get spectacle powers?
In younger age groups, spectacle powers most likely develop due to the inherent shape or length of the eye. Shorter eyes tend to develop plus powers (Hyperopia) and longer eyes tend to have minus powers (Myopia).
Does excessively watching T.V. or Laptop/iPad usage cause spectacle power to increase?
No. A common complaint that parents give us at the clinic is that the child constantly watches T.V. from close by and hence has got glasses now. On the contrary, the fact that the child needs to go very close to the T.V. may be an indicator that his vision isn’t up to the mark, and hence should be a warning sign that this child needs an eye check-up. Usually, excessive use of such devices may produce eye strain, but never produces a change in spectacle powers.
What can we do to stop the number from increasing?
There is no evidence to prove that any eye exercises nor any dietary changes will produce reduction or stop progression of spectacle power changes. Spectacle power of an individual’s eye is like the height of that person- after a certain age it will stabilize (usually around 18-21years of age). Rarely there are pathological disorders in which the eye number constantly changes. These are serious conditions requiring detailed tests and appropriate treatment.
I wear my glasses regularly, but why has my number still increased?
As mentioned above, wearing your glasses does not mean your eye will not change. Often number changes can be noticed when the teenager suddenly has an increase in height.
I was able to see everything so far, but now that I am over 40years of age, why do I require glasses for reading?
Presbyopia is the natural process of ageing of the eye, which has its onset around 40years of age. It causes the inherent power of the eye muscles to weaken, thus producing a reading glass power. This number gradually increases upto the age of 60 years.
Do I have to wear my glasses all the time?
It is imperative for children to use their glasses at all times. Not doing so may cause one or both eyes to become lazy, i.e. lose the capacity to have full visual potential. Once the eye becomes lazy, even full glasses power prescription will not help the person in gaining their normal vision back.
I can see everything, why do I need an eye check-up?
Often, what you may think is normal vision may be less than the required standard of vision. This can only be detected by a detailed eye check up by your Doctor. Even for people with normal vision, annual eye check-ups are imperative to detect any silent diseases in the eye e.g. Glaucoma, Retinopathy.