Why does the number of glasses increase?

Why does the number of glasses increase?

                                          By : Prof. Dr. S.P.S. Grewal

With a lot of research happening in the field of medicine, especially vision research, there is hope for solutions to many conditions hitherto considered beyond management. Short sightedness of myopia or an increase in the number of glasses is a focus of current research. Though genetic inheritance pattern of myopia is well recognized, new studies attempt to understand the environmental effects on the progression of myopia.

Data presented from the RESC (refractive Error study in school children) study, a global study carried out in 11 countries across world, has tried to throw interesting light on the prevalence of poor vision due to refractive error like myopia or hyperopia in children and the factors affecting them.  

It is believed that outdoor activities like plying sport have a positive role to play. Interestingly, a decrease in near work and increase in outdoor activities reduced the odd of increase in number by three times. Distance viewing that relaxes the eye muscles, narrowing of pupil with light and exposure to natural light also play a role in preventing an increase in number.

For lower number, a partial use of glasses may lead to more progression of myopia than constant use of glasses. Excessive near work from too close a distance is also associated with greater chance of increase in number. It was show that study intensive societies have a higher incidence of myopia.

The study found the incidence of myopia to be 7.4 per cent in a northern Indian urban upper-class population, 4.1 per cent in a south Indian rural population and 20 per cent in the Gaungzhou province of china.

The social impact of refractive error was also highlighted. There were several barriers to children not using correction for myopia. These included lack of awareness, cost constraints and the lack of usage. The study also highlighted the high incidence of uncorrected refractive error in the school going age group of 10 to 12 Years. Out of all the children requiring glasses, only 22 per cant were wearing correct prescription glasses, 7 per cant were under corrected and 71 per cant were not wearing them at all, The younger the child the greater are the chances of him/her being under corrected or not corrected at all.

Almost 6-18 per cent of school going children in age group of 10 to 14 years, across the world need glasses and this is quite a disturbing figure. The onus falls on the parents to ensure that their school going children have a proper cyclopegic refraction. The study also noted that educated parents frequently considered the prospect of their child’s missing out study time because of blurred vision as unacceptable.

The number of one’s glasses may increase at any time in life. There are more myths, than facts, surrounding the progression of myopia. The good news is that the scientific evidences are on way to demystify the myths. ***

Prof. Dr. S.P.S. Grewal
Grewal Eye Institute
SCO 166, Sector 9-C, Madhya Marg
CHANDIGARH - 160 014 (India)
Ph : +91-17-2747118, 5056901, 5056969
Fax : +91-172-274843
Mail : drgrewal@gmail.com
Website : http://www.gei.co.in/