What kind of glasses should be prescribed for primary school students with myopia?

Myopia correction for elementary school students generally includes single-vision eyeglasses, defocus-incorporated eyeglasses, progressive multifocal eyeglasses, orthokeratology lenses, and peripheral defocus soft contact lenses. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Single-vision eyeglasses: These glasses have only one optical center and effectively correct myopia. They are suitable for elementary school students with mild myopia who do not experience significant visual fatigue or accommodation abnormalities. They are simple and convenient to wear, easy to maintain daily, and relatively affordable.

2. Defocus-incorporated eyeglasses: Featuring a special optical design, these glasses create myopic defocus in the peripheral retina, slowing down axial elongation of the eye. They are ideal for children experiencing rapid myopia progression, providing both vision correction and assistance in controlling myopia advancement. Wearing them is just like using regular eyeglasses.

3. Progressive multifocal eyeglasses: The lens power gradually changes from top to bottom—upper portion for distance vision and lower portion for near tasks. These are suitable for students experiencing visual fatigue, difficulty with near vision, or those with frequent reading and writing demands. They reduce the eye’s accommodative effort during near work, helping alleviate eye strain.

4. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses: Worn overnight, these lenses reshape the cornea while the child sleeps, allowing clear vision during the day without glasses. They help slow myopia progression and are recommended for children with rapidly increasing myopia or those reluctant to wear daytime glasses. Proper care and wearing procedures must be followed under professional guidance.

5. Peripheral defocus soft contact lenses: Worn during the day, these lenses use a peripheral defocus design to correct central vision while leveraging the defocus effect on the peripheral retina to control myopia progression. They offer high comfort and are suitable for children who cannot tolerate orthokeratology lenses or prefer wearing corrective lenses during daytime.

Before getting glasses, elementary school students should undergo a comprehensive eye examination at a qualified medical institution to determine their exact myopia degree and overall eye health. After obtaining glasses, regular follow-up eye exams are recommended every 3 to 6 months to monitor vision changes and adjust prescription as needed.