Dr. Arvind Varma is a practicing ophthalmologist who runs a clinic in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. Besides writing on common eye problems, Dr. Varma will also answer specific queries.

• During an eye checkup I was easily able to read the last line on the ophthalmologist's chart. But, after examination, I was advised to use glasses constantly. Why so?

Your eye has a reserve power of about +3 Diopters (units). It will be used automatically if the need arises (you will not even be aware of this). You may be reading the last line with the help of this reserve power. But this is not good for the overall wellbeing of the eye. Your doctor must have detected this problem and hence advised you to use glasses.

• Should I wear glasses all the time?

Depending upon your Refractive Error, you may wear glasses constantly or at particular times. Your doctor will be in the best position to inform you on that.

• Will my Refractive Error improve?

It depends upon your age, amount of error and type of error. During growth period (up to 22 years), parameters that determine the refractive state of the eye, change. After this age (22), change in the refractive index is rare. Depending upon the direction of this change, your number may improve, remain stable or increase.

• I use glasses regularly. Yet my number is increasing. What could be the reasons?

Your glasses help you in see better. But these cannot affect the growth of the eye. While using glasses constantly helps getting rid of eyestrain related problems, it does not help in stopping the increase altogether.

• Will a diet help in decreasing my number?

No specific diet is known to alter the growth pattern so as to bring the Refractive Error to normal.

• What is the role of vitamin A in Refractive Error correction?

Vitamin A is essential for normal functioning of the retina. It is needed for night vision. But excess intake will not alter the Refractive Error.

• Do eye exercises help in reducing power?

Exercises build muscles. Muscles are involved in movements of the eyeball. Though these exercises may correct muscular imbalances in the eyes associated with Refractive Error, they will not alter the Refractive Error.

• I know I need glasses, but don’t like using them. What are the other options?

If you do not wish to use glasses, your problem may be corrected with contact lenses. These are very small plastic lenses that stick to the cornea. These can be easily placed or removed from the eye. Another option is surgical or laser correction of the refractive error. The surgery helps in reshaping the cornea which in turn changes the refractive power of the eye (rectifies it).

If you choose to completely rule out wearing glasses you will suffer eyestrain at the end of the day. If the error is small and eye is able to compensate for it by its reserves you may be able to `get by’ but after causing much damage.

If the refractive error is large and occurs during the early years of life, it may prevent normal development and functioning of the retina, thereby causing a permanent disability or lazy eye which we often refer to as a squint.

Next week we bring you information on a disorder called lazy eye and the solutions that can rectify it.

Other Articles By Dr. Arvind Varma

• An Eye On trouble
• Do You Have A Lazy Eye?
• Do You Have Computer Vision Syndrome?
• Does Your Child Need An Eye Checkup?
• FAQ’s About Cataract
• Cataract Treatment
• How To Care For Your Eyes
• Should You Opt For Contact Lenses?
• Treatment For Glaucoma
• Understanding Glaucoma
• Your Eye & Diabetes Mellitus