Can Chinese medicine restore vision in children with myopia?

If a child has pseudomyopia, which is relatively mild, vision may be restored through traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment. However, for true myopia, TCM generally cannot restore vision. The detailed analysis is as follows:

For mild myopia, especially pseudomyopia, TCM treatments such as acupuncture, herbal steam therapy, and eye exercises can help regulate eye muscles, improve ocular blood circulation, and relieve visual fatigue, thereby achieving partial recovery of vision. However, it should be noted that these treatments must be conducted under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner and require active cooperation and consistent adherence from both the child and parents.

True myopia results from structural changes in the eye, such as elongation of the axial length or altered refractive index of the lens, leading to organic myopia. While TCM may help alleviate eye fatigue, it cannot reverse these structural changes. Since key parameters like axial length and lens refractivity have already changed significantly, relying solely on TCM treatment is unlikely to fully restore normal vision. Comprehensive management involving Western medical approaches—such as corrective lenses or surgery—is necessary. Additionally, attention should be paid to eye protection and improving daily eye-use habits.

Parents are advised to take their children to the hospital promptly for professional evaluation and follow standardized treatment under medical supervision to prevent further progression of myopia.