Conventional eyeglasses may speed up vision deterioration, particularity in young people 8 to 25 years old with nearsighted problems, it was
announced today by eye researchers. The International Orthokeratology Section of the National Eye Research Foundation has determined that vision problems, such as
nearsightedness, are often environmental, and that glasses contribute to eye focusing-muscle fatigue.
"Nearsighted children should be seeking preventative forms of eye care,
such as orthokeratology," Dr. Donald Harris, of Newport Beach, California, explained.
Orthokeratology is the use of special contact lenses in carefully monitored stages, which
not only improves the vision, but also gradually changes the shape of the cornea, offering unaided vision improvement. Orthokeratology is often compared to "braces for the teeth."
Conventional eyeglasses only mask the symptom. They alter the image before it enters the eye, without directly improving the eye itself. Dr. Harris says, "Young people, and many
adults will continue to experience vision deterioration requiring stronger and stronger prescriptions. Orthokeratology has proven to do the opposite, in that it directly affects and improves the eye itself,
gradually requiring milder and milder prescriptions."
Dr. Harris emphasized that the use of orthokeratological lenses are invaluable in "preventative" eye
care. Studies indicate that children who undergo the program often enjoy reduced need for glasses throughout adulthood.
These same studies have found that
nearsightedness increases as populations become more academic and technological. Approximately 40% of the U.S. population is now nearsighted, and that statistic is increasing. Dr. Harris and fellow
researchers view preventative eye care, such as orthokeratology, as the treatment to reverse this trend.
Excerpts Courtesy of Doctor Donald H. Harris and Associates
