25 Truths About Glasses - From Optometrists and Shop Owners

1. Myopia in children

Once true myopia is diagnosed, corrective eyeglasses must be prescribed and worn. Delaying correction may result in an annual increase of 100 to 150 degrees.

2. Myopia treatment

Any shop that claims to be able to "cure" myopia and "reduce prescription” (vision training, herbal medicine, eye patches, etc.) is a scam.

3. Lens selection

Expensive does not mean suitable. Choose the refractive index based on the prescription:

• Up to -3.00D: 1.56 index

• -3.00 to -5.00D: 1.60 index

• -4.00 to -7.00D: 1.67 index

• Above -6.00 to -7.00D+: 1.74 index

4. Contact lenses

Wear contact lenses for less than 8 hours daily and never sleep in them. The shorter the cycle, the healthier it is -Prioritize daily disposables and monthly disposables.

5. Eye drops

Avoid prolonged use without medical advice. For eye fatigue, rest is often more effective than eye drops.

6. Wearing principle

Individuals with uncorrected visual acuity below 0.3 should wear glasses consistently to prevent the rapid progression of myopia caused by ciliary muscle fatigue.

7. Children's eye exams

Children under 10 years old must undergo dilated eye examinations for their first pair of glasses to rule out pseudomyopia.

8. Presbyopia

People with myopia will also develop presbyopia as they age, though it may be delayed or partially offset by nearsightedness.

9. Sunglasses

One of the most effective ways to prevent cataracts. Be sure to choose UV400-certified authentic sunglasses. Myopic individuals can opt for prescription sunglasses.

10. Bangs

Long-term covering of one eye with bangs may trigger or worsen myopia.

11. Warning signs

If your child frequently squints, tilts their head, or rubs their eyes, get vision checked immediately.

12. Piano playing and myopia

Practicing piano requires intense focus on sheet music and the keyboard, easily causing eye strain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule (look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).

13. Glass frame selection

Comfort > Aesthetics. Improperly adjusted frames are the primary cause of headaches and eye strain.

14. Blue-light blocking is not essential

Unless you spend over eight hours a day in front of screens, blue light-blocking lenses offer little benefit. Low-quality blue cut lenses have a strong yellow tint that actually exacerbates eye strain. It's far more worthwhile to invest in high light-transmittance lenses and good coatings.

15. Lens Care Determines Lifespan

Always rinse with clean water before gently wiping with a lens microfiber cloth. Dry wiping lenses is like sanding them with sandpaper. Even the toughest coatings will be scratched by dust particles.

16. Eyeglasses have an expiration date

Even if your prescription hasn’t changed, lenses should be replaced every 18 to 24 months. Beyond that, lenses may oxidize and yellow, coatings may degrade, and light transmission significantly decreases. This causes your eyes to unconsciously strain harder.

17. Buying frames online carries major risks

Frame comfort depends on three-point fit: nose pads, temple curvature, and frame front wrap. These must be adjusted in person. Online frames may seem cheaper, but they often require professional adjustment afterward, and many materials cannot be re-adjusted.

18. Oxygen permeability matters more than water content in contact lenses

When purchasing contact lenses, don't focus solely on water content. Oxygen permeability (Dk/t) is the key indicator that determines whether the cornea can “breathe,” especially for long-term wearers. Silicone hydrogel materials typically offer higher oxygen permeability.

19. Anti-fatigue lenses are functional lenses, not health supplements

They are enhanced single-vision lenses. The added power in the lower portion helps relax focusing effort. They are suitable for people around 40 years old who are beginning to develop presbyopia, or for those with severe visual fatigue. Teenagers and people with strong accommodation do not need them at all.

20. Don't sacrifice optical performance for thin lenses

When high-prescription lenses that undergo edge polishing become convex on the sides, causing severe glare interference. This is especially noticeable when driving at night, as side headlights can turn into intense glare. It is not recommended unless necessary.

21. For children, regular eye-axial length checks are more important than refraction tests

The core of myopia control in children and adolescents is controlling axial length growth. Measuring axial length every 3–6 months is the most objective way to evaluate the effectiveness of myopia-control methods (such as orthokeratology lenses or defocus lenses).

22. Sudden improvement in vision may indicate disease

A decrease in myopia among middle-aged and elderly individuals could signal early cataracts or blood sugar fluctuations. Any sudden vision changes should prompt a medical consultation rather than hasty eyeglass replacement.

23. Anti-fog lenses require ongoing maintenance

Anti-fog coatings typically last 6–12 months and should never be dry-wiped with paper tissues. The truly effective anti-fog solution is a combination of anti-fog spray plus proper cleaning habits.

24. Visual function training is not a scam

For those with poor accommodation or abnormal binocular fusion, customized visual function training can be more effective than simply changing glasses. However, it is crucial to avoid so-called “one-size-fits-all” training devices.

25. Final advice

Eyewear Fitting Is a Medical Procedure. Professional fitting and expertise are ten times more important than low prices. Trust the Experts, Not the Marketing.