Core Answer

Child diagnosed with 100 degrees of myopia.Cannot definitively determine whether glasses are required.First, undergo a dilated medical refraction to distinguish between pseudomyopia and true myopia. Once true myopia is confirmed, combine uncorrected visual acuity, daily visual habits, and binocular vision function to formulate a prescription plan with the guidance of a professional optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Key prerequisite: Distinguish between pseudomyopia and true myopia.

Many parents overlook this step.

• PseudomyopiaTemporary blurred vision caused by sustained ciliary muscle spasm, with no organic changes in the eye.No glasses neededVision can recover with rest, increased outdoor time, and proper eye care.

• True MyopiaAxial length has elongated and cannot recover on its own. 100 degrees indicates mild true myopia; whether to prescribe glasses depends on your daily visual habits.

Note: The 100 diopter result from a simple computer refraction is inaccurate. Adolescents must undergo cycloplegic refraction during their first eye exam.

How to decide if you need glasses based on daily situations

✅ Recommended for glasses (often worn as needed: during class or for distance viewing)

1. Difficulty seeing the blackboard in class, frequently squinting, tilting head, or leaning forward to see objects clearly.

2. Frequent frowning or rubbing eyes while watching TV or viewing objects from a distance.

3. Frequent eye soreness, dryness, and headaches after reading indicate significant eye strain.

4. Optometry exam revealed binocular vision dysfunction (exophoria, accommodative insufficiency, etc.).

Prolonged blurred vision in this case forces the eyes to constantly strain, accelerating myopia progression. Glasses should primarily be worn for distance viewing; for near tasks like reading and writing, follow professional guidance on flexible use.

⚠️ Glasses are optional, but close monitoring is required.

The child has good uncorrected visual acuity, sees clearly in class, and shows no signs of squinting or eye strain; binocular vision function is normal. However, even if glasses are not needed immediately, regular monitoring is still essential.Recheck vision and axial length every 3 to 6 months.If you notice vision decline or strain, schedule an eye exam promptly.

Special attention required for the following scenarios

1. Rapid increase in myopia prescription: If the power has increased by more than 50 diopters in six months, get glasses promptly and implement myopia control measures immediately.

2. Astigmatism: If astigmatism is ≥75 degrees, even with as little as 100 degree of myopia, regular glasses are generally recommended.

3. Significant difference in binocular prescription: Unequal refractive power between eyes can impair stereoscopic vision over time.

Common Parenting Tips

Many children may feel resistant or develop low self-esteem when wearing glasses. Parents should neither force the issue nor blindly resist getting glasses for their child. Instead, have an open conversation: glasses are simply a tool to help your eyes see comfortably, and properly fitted glasses will not cause your prescription to worsen over time.

Here are a few actionable recommendations:

1. Do it firstDilated medical refractionDifferentiate between true and false myopia; enhance binocular vision function assessments.

2. Follow professional guidance; don't follow trends. "Avoid wearing it if you can."

3. Maintain daily outdoor exposure to natural light and limit close-up screen time, regardless of whether you wear corrective lenses.

4. Schedule regular vision check-ups to monitor myopia progression.

5. Prioritize accurate refraction when choosing glasses. The right parameters matter more than the lens price alone.