Study finds that bifocal eyeglasses reduce the progression of myopia in children

January 12, 2010

A recent study conducted in China found that outfitting myopic (nearsighted) children with bifocals, instead of the traditionally prescribed lenses might reduce the chances that the patients' vision will continue to deteriorate, according to the L.A. Times.

Myopia is most commonly diagnosed during childhood, and the condition typically continues to progress until late adolescence, the news source reports.

The study found that the bifocals allowed children to better focus on near objects without straining their eyes, and that those who wore bifocals did not need a new prescription as quickly. In fact, there was a 38 present difference in the rate of progression, the news provider states.

According to the American Optometric Association, 80 percent of school-aged children's learning occurs through their eyes.

It's important that students receive frequent and thorough eye exams to ensure that they're seeing clearly and are able to absorb all of the information that is presented to them in the classroom.