What type of glasses should people with myopia wear—concave or convex?

People often say that the eyes are the windows to the soul—through them, we perceive all the beauty in the world. Glasses-wearers are ubiquitous on city streets. Wearing thick eyeglasses daily can significantly affect one’s appearance over time and also impose numerous inconveniences and limitations on daily life and physical activities. So, what type of lenses—concave or convex—are prescribed for myopia?

What type of lenses—concave or convex—are prescribed for myopia?

Individuals with myopia typically wear concave lenses, whereas those with hyperopia (farsightedness) or presbyopia usually require convex lenses. When the eye is in a relaxed, unaccommodated state, parallel light rays entering the eye focus: • in front of the retina in myopia; • behind the retina in hyperopia; and • directly on the retina in emmetropia (normal vision). Myopia primarily arises from a combination of genetic (congenital) factors and environmental influences—especially improper use of the eyes.

Myopia is a common ophthalmic condition characterized by the focal point of parallel light rays falling anterior to the retina after passing through the eye’s refractive system, resulting in blurred, unfocused images on the retina. This refractive error is termed myopia. In early-stage myopia, distance vision often fluctuates, and patients may squint when viewing distant objects. Besides blurred distance vision, other symptoms may include strabismus (eye misalignment), eye strain, dry eyes, headache, and nausea.

In daily life, patients should maintain a positive mindset, actively cooperate with their physicians’ treatment plans, take prescribed medications as directed (in terms of both dosage and timing), and adhere to proper daily eye care practices to facilitate timely improvement of their condition. We hope this response has been helpful.