Children’s Myopia Control: Four Common Mistakes Parents Often Overlook

In recent years, the rate of childhood myopia has been rising steadily, and parents are increasingly concerned about how to “control” it. However, several common misconceptions can make these efforts less effective. This article explores four frequently overlooked mistakes in myopia management and offers scientifically grounded strategies to help parents protect their children’s vision.

1. Misconception 1: Wearing Glasses Makes Myopia Worse

Fact:
Many parents worry that once their child starts wearing glasses, their myopia will worsen rapidly. In reality, glasses only correct vision—they do not cause progression.

If a child consistently struggles to see clearly, the visual system experiences constant “blur stimulation,” increasing eye strain and accelerating myopia progression.

Getting properly prescribed lenses is essential for stabilizing visual development.

2. Misconception 2: Avoiding Electronic Devices Can Prevent Myopia

Fact:
While digital screens are a major source of near work, they are not the only cause of myopia.

Myopia is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, outdoor activity, light exposure, visual distance, and posture.

Reading books or doing homework for long hours at close range can have similar effects on eye elongation.

Instead of banning screens completely, parents should focus on limiting usage time and encouraging healthy viewing habits.

3. Misconception 3: Myopia Cannot Be Reversed, So Intervention Is Pointless

Fact:
While myopia cannot be fully reversed once it develops, its progression can be slowed down.

Scientific interventions such as outdoor light exposure, visual training, and optical correction can effectively control the rate of eye growth.

Early intervention is especially important—building good eye habits early in life helps delay or prevent severe myopia later.

4. Misconception 4: Eye Lamps and Blue-Light Glasses Can Prevent Myopia

Fact:
Eye-protection lamps and blue-light glasses can reduce visual fatigue, but they cannot prevent myopia.

Eye lamps help by providing even illumination and reducing visual contrast stress.

Blue-light glasses can ease digital eye strain and improve sleep in some cases, but their effect on myopia prevention is minimal.

Effective control relies on increasing outdoor time, maintaining proper visual habits, and ensuring balanced light stimulation.

5. Key Strategies for Scientific Myopia Control

Ensure at least two hours of outdoor activity daily — Sunlight promotes dopamine secretion, which helps prevent excessive eye elongation.

Maintain proper viewing distance — Keep 30–40 cm between eyes and books, and about 50 cm for screens.

Manage visual load — Take a 5–10 minute break every 40 minutes of near work.

Leverage technology for visual training —

Devices such as the Skaphor Vision Revival Device, powered by Micropulse Photoreceptive Repair Technology, can be used as part of vision training to regulate neural activity, improve visual adaptability, and reduce strain on the accommodative system.

Controlling myopia in children is not simply about “less screen time.” True prevention involves a comprehensive approach that combines environmental optimization, healthy habits, and scientific interventions. By avoiding these common misconceptions and integrating light exposure, rest, and technology, parents can effectively safeguard their children’s visual future.