Is it advisable for people with myopia to wear contact lenses?
Jun 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen You
Introduction
Wearing contact lenses for myopia is not ideal for eye health. Contact lens use commonly leads to eye inflammation, and in severe cases, may result in complications such as conjunctival concretions (eye stones). Whenever possible, opt for framed eyeglasses instead. Additionally, minimize prolonged exposure to radiation-emitting devices such as smartphones and computers, avoid excessive visual strain, or consider laser vision correction surgery as a treatment option.
Myopia is a common ophthalmic condition. Once it develops, myopia initially causes varying degrees of visual acuity decline. In such cases, it is essential to promptly visit a hospital for refraction testing and vision assessment to determine the degree of myopia and its impact on visual function. So, is wearing contact lenses advisable for individuals with myopia?
Is Wearing Contact Lenses Advisable for Myopia?
Wearing contact lenses is generally not ideal for individuals with myopia. Contact lens use commonly increases the risk of ocular inflammation; in severe cases, complications such as conjunctival concretions (eye stones) may occur. Whenever possible, opt for framed spectacles instead. Additionally, minimize prolonged exposure to electronic devices—such as smartphones and computers—that emit radiation; avoid visual overexertion; and consider refractive surgery (e.g., laser correction) if appropriate. Seek treatment at reputable, specialized hospitals, undergo comprehensive ophthalmic evaluations, and proceed with laser surgery only when clinically indicated. Avoid using your eyes in dimly lit environments; maintain proper posture during reading and writing; and reduce the frequency and duration of electronic device usage.
Myopia is a type of refractive error characterized by the focusing of parallel light rays—after passing through the eye’s optical system—in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Based on refractive power, myopia is classified as mild, moderate, high, or pathological. The primary etiologies include: (1) refractive myopia—the most common type—caused by excessive corneal refractive power or an elevated refractive index, resulting in image formation anterior to the retina; correction typically requires concave lenses to diverge incoming light so that the image focuses precisely on the retina; and (2) axial myopia—resulting from an elongated eyeball. In this case, even with normal corneal refractive power and refractive index, the increased axial length causes the image to focus in front of the retina, thereby inducing myopia.
Patients are advised to cultivate good ocular hygiene habits, undergo regular vision and refraction examinations, and promptly update their corrective lenses whenever refractive changes occur. We hope this information proves helpful.
