What Is Pseudomyopia?

At EFE Glasses, we care deeply about your child’s eye health. Our mission goes beyond making stylish, comfortable eyewear—we’re committed to protecting young eyes through science, education, and proactive care.
In recent years, we’ve met many parents worried that their children are developing nearsightedness. Yet after a professional eye exam, the diagnosis often surprises them: “It’s not true myopia—it’s pseudomyopia.”
So, what exactly is pseudomyopia, and how is it different from true myopia? Most importantly, what can parents do to protect their child’s vision? Let’s explore together.

Pseudomyopia: A Signal of Eye Fatigue

Medically known as accommodative or functional myopia, pseudomyopia occurs when the eye’s ciliary muscles become tense and overworked from too much close-up activity—like reading, writing, or screen time. This tension prevents the eyes from relaxing properly when looking into the distance, causing temporary blurry vision.

Unlike true myopia, pseudomyopia doesn’t come from the eyeball getting longer—it’s a functional issue, not a structural one.

At EFE Glasses, we’ve found that students and teens are especially prone to pseudomyopia, particularly during exam seasons or periods of excessive screen use and poor sleep.

Pseudomyopia vs. True Myopia: What’s the Difference?

The biggest difference—and one we emphasize at EFE Glasses—is that pseudomyopia is reversible, while true myopia is permanent because it involves physical changes in the eyeball.

What Causes Pseudomyopia?

Several modern lifestyle factors can trigger temporary nearsightedness in children, including:

1. Excessive near work – Too much reading or screen use keeps eye muscles constantly strained.

2. Poor posture – Lying down or leaning too close when reading increases visual stress.

3. Improper lighting – Both dim and harsh lighting conditions can overwork the eyes.

4. Lack of outdoor time – Less natural light exposure reduces eye relaxation.

5. Irregular sleep patterns – Poor rest prevents the eyes from recovering naturally.

Without early correction, pseudomyopia can gradually progress into true, irreversible myopia—which is why early detection and prevention are essential.

Effective Ways to Prevent or Reverse Pseudomyopia

At EFE Glasses, we encourage parents to take small but powerful steps to protect their child’s eyesight:

1. Spend at least 2 hours outdoors daily
   Natural sunlight helps relax ciliary muscles and supports healthy eye development.

2. Follow the 30–5 rule
   Every 30 minutes of close-up work should be followed by 5 minutes of distance viewing to let the eyes rest.

3. Use proper lighting
   Ensure your child studies under natural or soft white light—not dim or harsh lighting.

4. Schedule regular eye exams
   A full eye check every 6 months helps track changes early. EFE Glasses recommends seeing an optometrist for cycloplegic refraction to accurately assess pseudomyopia.

5. Practice visual training exercises
   Eye relaxation and focus exercises can help restore normal muscle balance and reduce eye strain.

EFE Glasses’ Mission: Prevent Pseudomyopia from Becoming True Myopia

Pseudomyopia is more than just temporary blurred vision—it’s a warning signal from your child’s eyes. At EFE Glasses, we view ourselves as your partner in early intervention and prevention.

We believe that with the right habits, regular eye checkups, and proper eyewear, children can maintain clear, healthy vision and avoid long-term myopia.

At the end of the day, EFE Glasses isn’t just about eyewear—we’re about eye care. Together, let’s protect every pair of bright, curious eyes and keep their world in focus.

Explore EFE’s Kids’ Glasses Collection – Durable, comfortable, and designed to support healthy vision habits from the start.