Floaters are a common vision issue where patients see floating dark spots, tadpole-shaped figures, thread-like objects, and other shapes in their field of vision. Floaters come in many forms, and each patient describes them differently. Can floaters be treated? Will they go away on their own? Dr. Tong Wenjie, an ophthalmologist, will address these questions below.

What is floaters?

Floaters are medically known as vitreous degeneration. Inside our eyeball lies a transparent, gel-like substance called the vitreous humor, situated at the center of the eye—behind the lens and in front of the retina.Under normal conditions, the vitreous fills the entire vitreous cavity, maintaining the eye's shape and ensuring light is properly refracted onto the retina to form images. When vitreous degeneration occurs, the gel-like substance within liquefies, forming tiny fibers that float within the vitreous cavity—these are the dark spots patients perceive.

飛蚊症有什麼成因？

飛蚊症主要形成原因可大致分為3種，即是生理性、退化性和病理性。如有懷疑，建議患者儘早尋求眼科醫生進行檢查。

physiological

Physiological floaters commonly occur in individuals under 40 or those who overuse their eyes long-term, such as garment workers, teachers, and office workers who spend extended periods at computers.Generally, up to 80% of floaters cases are physiological. Patients may perceive dark spots or lines within their visual field, which are caused by impurities within the vitreous humor. Currently, there are no medications or surgical procedures to treat this type of floaters. However, there is no need for excessive concern, as these dark spots will typically fade from the visual field over time.

Degenerative

Inside the eyeball is a transparent gel-like substance called the vitreous humor, located behind the lens and in front of the retina.As we age, this vitreous body degenerates and breaks down into tiny fibers. These fibers float within the vitreous, causing us to see dark spots or patches in our vision. Some people may also see thread-like or worm-like shapes. As long as the dark spots in the eye do not increase in number and remain relatively stationary, this is considered benign floaters, and there is no need for excessive worry.

pathological

Pathological floaters arise from other eye conditions or systemic vascular diseases, such as: traction from external force, trauma, or systemic vascular disorders like retinal detachment, diabetes, or hypertension. These can all lead to vitreous detachment and hemorrhage, causing dark spots or even dark patches in the visual field.If left untreated, this type of floater can potentially lead to permanent vision loss. Patients are advised to seek treatment for floaters as early as possible.

飛蚊症有什麼症狀？

The initial symptoms of floaters are easily recognizable. Patients perceive floating objects within their field of vision—visible yet elusive—particularly noticeable under bright light or against a light background. Floaters manifest in diverse shapes, so each patient observes different forms:

• Black spots in the eye
• The eyes see lines
• See the mesh
• cloud-like formation
• The eyes see things that look like worms, one after another.

If you experience worsening symptoms of floaters, such as a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light in the eyes, dark shadows in the eyes, vision obstruction, or blurred vision, you should immediately seek a thorough examination by an ophthalmologist and follow the doctor's recommended treatment plan to improve the floaters.

Treatment Methods for Floaters

Generally, early-stage floaters do not require immediate treatment. Most people adapt to the presence of dark spots over time, or these spots may settle at the bottom of the vitreous over time, no longer affecting vision. However, if you notice an increase in dark spots, experience shadows in your vision, or feel these spots are impacting your daily life, you may consider laser treatment or floater surgery to improve the dark spots in your eyes.

Laser therapy

Laser treatment is suitable for larger, concentrated vitreous fibers. By breaking these fibers into smaller fragments with laser energy, symptoms of floaters can be improved or eliminated.Performed under local anesthesia, the procedure is painless and takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. However, this treatment is not suitable for everyone. If the fibers are loose or located too close to the macula or lens, laser therapy should be avoided to prevent complications such as cataracts or macular damage.

Vitrectomy

玻璃體切除手術通過小切口移除眼內的玻璃體，並以溶液替代以維持眼睛的形狀。手術大約需要10至15分鐘。雖然這種手術可以有效清除纖維，但也有可能導致流血或視網膜撕裂，進而形成新的浮游物。因此，多數醫生不建議使用這種手術來治療飛蚊症。

另外，有許多患者會試圖通過眼藥水去改善眼睛退化症狀，並請求眼科醫生推薦飛蚊症眼藥水。要注意的是，眼藥水並無法滲透到玻璃體內，因此單靠點眼藥水是無法治療玻璃體退化的，湯醫生提醒切記勿隨意聽信非專業人士推薦的飛蚊症眼藥水。

Preventing Floaters

Floaters are primarily caused by vitreous degeneration due to aging and high myopia. Currently, there is no way to completely prevent floaters from occurring, but we can slow down the progression of eye degeneration through daily care. Here are some methods to help prevent floaters:

• Avoid excessive use of electronic devices (take a 5- to 10-minute break after every hour of screen time).
• Read or work in well-lit conditions whenever possible to prevent worsening myopia.
• Ensure a balanced diet daily and reduce intake of foods high in oil, salt, and sugar.
• Increase your intake of nutrients such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, and vitamins.
• Get regular physical and eye exams

Frequently Asked Questions

Floaters can be quite bothersome. People with floaters see "dark spots" drifting in their vision—painless and impossible to rub away. When you stare directly at them, they vanish instantly.The shapes of floaters vary—they can appear as black dots, lines, circles, ovals, tadpole-like shapes, and more. They are particularly noticeable when looking at bright, clear backgrounds. Floaters are a degenerative eye condition. For mild cases, individuals generally only need to learn to live with the dark spots or floating objects in their vision.and daily life remains unaffected, treatment for floaters is generally unnecessary. However, if the dark spots or floaters become too large or numerous, if floaters suddenly worsen or are accompanied by flashes of light, or if vision is impaired, it is crucial to seek improvement methods. Consult an ophthalmologist specializing in floaters for advice and consider surgical or laser treatment for floaters. Otherwise, delaying treatment may lead to severe consequences, potentially resulting in blindness!

What is floaters?

From a medical perspective, floaters are a symptom of vitreous degeneration. The vitreous is a transparent gel-like substance located behind the lens and in front of the retina. Under normal conditions, it fills the entire vitreous cavity, helping to maintain the eye's shape.However, with aging and conditions like myopia, the vitreous liquefies and shrinks, forming cloudy fibers. These fibers float within the vitreous cavity. When light rays refract off these fibers, patients perceive dark spots in their vision—the precursor to floaters.

From a medical perspective, floaters are a symptom of vitreous degeneration. The vitreous is a transparent gel-like substance located behind the lens and in front of the retina. Under normal conditions, it fills the entire vitreous cavity, helping to maintain the eye's shape.However, with aging and conditions like myopia, the vitreous liquefies and shrinks, forming cloudy fibers. These fibers float within the vitreous cavity. When light rays refract off these fibers, patients perceive dark spots in their vision—the precursor to floaters.

Who is most likely to develop floaters?

Floaters typically become more common with age, making older adults more prone to experiencing dark spots in their vision. Beyond age, other factors that may increase the risk of developing floaters include: myopia, a history of eye surgery, eye trauma, or eye inflammation. Clinical medical research indicates that high-risk groups for floaters include:

• Middle-aged and elderly people
• Individuals with high myopia
• Patients with hypertension/diabetes
• Undergone eye surgery
• Head injury due to impact, such as: car accidents, diving athletes
• Other eye problems, such as: eye inflammation

However, most cases of floaters are benign. They can occur due to age-related vitreous degeneration or excessive eye strain. As long as the number of dark spots in your vision doesn't increase and their position remains stable, there's generally no need for excessive concern.

Conversely, if you suddenly experience a large number of dark spots in your vision that are already affecting your field of vision or accompanied by flashes of light, it could indicate vitreous detachment. This condition may cause traction on the retina, leading to retinal tears or even detachment. Such situations require immediate examination to seek treatment options or undergo floater treatment.

Causes of Floaters

The causes of floaters can be broadly categorized into three types: physiological, degenerative, and pathological.

• physiological

Approximately 80% of floaters are physiological in nature. Physiological floaters typically occur in individuals under 40 or those who experience prolonged eye strain. Most people notice dark spots in their vision, which are impurities within the vitreous humor. These generally do not affect vision and do not require immediate treatment; they often disappear on their own over time.

• Degenerative

As we age, the vitreous humor in the eye gradually degenerates, much like other organs in the body. During this process, the vitreous contracts and forms tiny fibers that float within it. When light enters the eye and refracts off these impurities, it creates the dark spots we see.

• pathological

Pathological floaters are caused by eye diseases or systemic vascular conditions. Eye diseases refer to retinal tears or holes that occur due to external traction or degenerative processes, leading to vitreous hemorrhage or even retinal detachment. This can result in vision impairment and, in the most severe cases, permanent blindness.Additionally, systemic vascular diseases such as retinal hemorrhage, diabetes, hypertension, or macular degeneration may also present pathological floaters if not addressed promptly and treated effectively. Patients should seek early intervention or treatment options to manage floaters.

Complications of Floaters — Retinal Detachment/Hole

Although floaters are not a serious condition, retinal detachment caused by floaters is an ophthalmic emergency. One in four patients with floaters may experience vision loss due to retinal detachment or tears. Remember, if you experience any of the following signs of retinal detachment caused by floaters, including:

• A large number of dark spots appear in the eyes within a short period of time.
• Abnormal Flash
• Shadow
• Obstructed view

This indicates a potential retinal tear, requiring immediate medical attention and treatment. Otherwise, patients with floaters may suffer permanent vision damage or even blindness.

How to treat floaters?

If your condition is benign floaters, immediate treatment is not necessary. When you notice dark spots in your vision, try moving your eyes to shift the fluid within them, allowing the fibers to drift out of your line of sight. Of course, some individuals find the constant presence of floating dark spots intolerable, as they frequently distract attention and significantly impact mood. In such cases, floater treatment may be considered.

With current technology, the primary methods for treating and improving floaters are laser therapy and vitrectomy surgery.

I. Laser Treatment for Floaters

This treatment method for floaters is suitable for larger, concentrated vitreous fibers. It uses laser energy to break these fibers into smaller fragments, thereby improving and eliminating floater symptoms.Laser treatment is performed under local anesthesia, and patients experience no pain during the procedure. The entire treatment takes only 15 to 20 minutes. However, laser therapy is not suitable for everyone seeking to improve floaters. If the fibers are too scattered or located too close to the macula or lens, the procedure should not be performed to avoid complications such as cataracts or macular damage.

II. Vitrectomy Surgery for Floaters

Vitrectomy surgery involves removing the vitreous gel inside the eye through a small incision and replacing it with a solution to maintain the eye's shape. The procedure typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes. However, vitrectomy does not necessarily eliminate all floaters. If the surgery itself causes bleeding or retinal tears, new floaters may form. Therefore, most physicians do not recommend this surgery for treating floaters.

Methods for Improving and Managing Floaters

Once floaters develop, they are nearly impossible to reverse. Even after laser or surgical treatment, recurrence is possible. What we can do is learn to live with them peacefully. Alternatively, the following methods may help improve floaters and slightly alleviate symptoms.

I. Daily Care for Benign Floaters

• Avoid excessive eye strain

Avoid overexerting your eyes during daily activities, especially if you are a heavy user of electronic devices. Take a 5- to 10-minute break every hour to rest your eyes. Use this time to blink frequently and look into the distance to relax your eyes.

• Healthy Lifestyle Habits

In daily life, it is recommended to reduce the time spent on your phone, especially avoiding late-night phone use. Ensuring adequate sleep and engaging in regular exercise can also help improve floaters.

• Regular follow-up appointments

Never assume that having benign floaters means you can relax. Floater sufferers must undergo regular check-ups to avoid missing other potential conditions and missing the optimal treatment window.

• Eye-Protecting Dietary Habits

In daily life, one should increase intake of various vitamins and antioxidant-rich foods through diet. Examples include berries, green or yellow vegetables, carrots, soybeans, milk, and deep-sea fish oil—all of which are dietary approaches that may help improve floaters.

II. Postoperative Care and Maintenance for Malignant Floaters

• Topical medication treatment

After surgery, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions for medication. Remember to thoroughly wash your hands with soap before each application to prevent cross-infection.

• Improve daily routines

Avoid rapid eye movements and excessive eye strain for one week after surgery. During this period, minimize reading books, using mobile phones, computers, or watching television. Additionally, refrain from strenuous exercise, mountain climbing, scuba diving, or air travel for one month post-surgery, as these activities may stimulate the eyes and slow down the healing process.

• Use an eye mask

During the eye recovery period, it is recommended to wear an eye shield at all times to prevent collisions and avoid unintentional rubbing of the eyes while sleeping at night. Ensure the eye shield is clean when in use, and it is advised to wash and disinfect it daily to prevent wound infection caused by bacteria.

• Daily diet

In addition to avoiding irritating foods, it is also important to avoid legumes, as these foods can cause nitric oxide in the blood to migrate to the eyes. This leads to gas buildup in the inert gases within the eye, increasing intraocular pressure.

• Home Safety

Keep your home clean and tidy to minimize dust and avoid secondhand smoke. During recovery, avoid rearranging furniture or placing items in hallways to prevent collisions or falls in unfamiliar surroundings that could injure your eyes.

• Scheduled follow-up appointments

In addition to following your doctor's instructions for regular post-operative follow-up appointments, if you experience any eye discomfort—such as persistent eye pain, sudden blurred vision, nausea, or an increase in the number or size of floaters—be sure to consult your ophthalmologist immediately to prevent the condition from worsening.

How to prevent floaters?

Although we cannot completely prevent the occurrence of floaters, we can slow down the aging of the eyeball and reduce the likelihood of developing floaters through daily eye care.

I. Develop Good Eye Care Habits

• Avoid excessive use of electronic devices (take a 5-10 minute break after every hour of screen time).
• Work under conditions of sufficient lighting and stable, flicker-free light sources.
• Avoid staying up late to reduce strain on your eyes.

II. Consuming Eye-Protective Nutrients

• Carotenoids (dark green, deep yellow, and red fruits and vegetables)
• Anthocyanins (Plum fruits)
• Vitamins (Vitamins A, B complex, C, and E)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil)

III. Properly manage systemic vascular diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)

• Maintain a balanced diet and reduce intake of foods high in fat, salt, and sugar.
• Regular exercise (jogging, cycling)
• Get regular full-body checkups

Although most cases of floaters do not require treatment, they should not be completely ignored. Regular check-ups are essential, and if symptoms worsen, seek medical attention immediately to avoid missing the optimal window for treatment.

#floating dark spots in eyes #improving dark spots in eyes #dark spots on iris #dark spots in eyes

白內障手術係透過微創方式移除混濁的水晶體，再植入人工晶體，整個過程大約只需10至30分鐘，但白內障手術後護理則需要長達1至2個月。

除了遵循醫生囑咐用藥、回診、保持眼部衛生等，患者具體該如何保養以便加快白內障手術後的康復時間？白內障手術有哪些後遺症？本文將一一講解白內障手術後該如何保養以及解答患者常見疑慮。

白內障手術後要休息多久？

現代的白內障手術屬於微創手術，一般只有0.2公分的傷口。因此，白內障手術後究竟要休息多久主要取決於個人的視力恢復情況。

一般而言，白內障術後的第2天大多數的患者已經可以看清楚眼前事物。只要認真保養，白內障手術後1週至1個月內就可以完全恢復視力。 

不過，我們通常會建議白內障術後的患者儘早正常使用雙眼，以加快白內障手術後的康復時間。在白內障手術後的數小時內，如果已經看得清楚，患者便可以進行一些日常活動，如看電視、使用電腦、吃飯和淋浴等。

儘管如此，白內障手術後仍需認真保養，按照醫生的建議使用藥物、清潔眼睛，避免激烈運動和搬運重物等。當眼睛感到疲勞時，應該適當休息。

白內障手術後注意事項

白內障手術雖然被認為是一種小手術，但若在白內障術後疏忽保養，可能引發眼內感染，甚至導致失明的風險。因此，正確的白內障術後保養至關重要。

1. 根據醫生指示進行眼部清潔、避免揉眼。
2. 術後1個月內避免碰撞、搬重物或進行激烈運動，以免影響傷口癒合或人工晶體移位。
3. 術後2週內避免弓腰洗頭；淋浴時避免污水濺入眼內。
4. 睡覺前戴好眼罩。
5. 外出時戴太陽眼鏡，預防光線照射眼睛。
6. 如果長時間眼睛不適，例如劇痛、嚴重紅腫、視力減退等情況請立即診治。

白內障手術後遺症

白內障手術是一種安全有效的治療方法，但仍可能出現一些潛在的後遺症，不過無需過於擔心，白內障手術後遺症多數都是輕微或極少見的，只要在白內障術後認真護理或及時治療便可恢復視力。

以下是一些可能的白內障手術後遺症： 

• 看見閃光或陰影：白內障術後的幾個小時或幾天內感覺有些閃光或陰影是相當常見的情況，不過這些症狀都會在短時間內消失，無需太過擔心。手術後，您有更高的機會將其從眼後部拉開，這個問題稱為視網膜脫離。這是緊急情況，可能會導致視力下降。如果您有以下情況，請立即去看眼科醫生：如果您有以下情況，請立即去看眼科醫生：感覺像簾子落在了你的眼睛上、視線中有新的浮點、經常看到閃光。

• 眼壓高：在某些情況下，手術後可能會導致眼壓升高，這種現象一般24小時後就會消失。如果眼壓持續升高，那麼就可能是晶體皮質殘留、炎症反應、黏彈劑殘留等問題，需要立即尋求醫生進行檢查。

• 光敏感：手術後，患者可能會對強光更為敏感，因此外出時要記得戴太陽眼鏡。隨著時間的推移，眼睛會自然適應，光敏感的症狀會減輕。

• 後囊膜混濁：白內障手術後視力變得模糊？有些患者可能因為表皮細胞增生在晶體周圍的後囊膜內導致視力模糊。這種情況可以透過雷射治療來矯正，從而改善眼矇的症狀。

• 視網膜剝離：如果患者在白內障手術後的某一個時間點突然看到漂浮物或閃光，導致看不清楚眼前事物，很大可能是視網膜剝離的症狀，請立即諮詢眼科醫生以做進一步治療。

• 飛蚊症：有些患者在白內障手術後發現眼有黑點，這是因為白內障手術前視力太過模糊，才沒有發現飛蚊症的存在。飛蚊症眼睛老化的現象之一，如果黑點沒有突然增多，便可不必理會。
• 黃斑水腫︰有時在手術後，視網膜中的血管洩漏。當液體積聚在您的眼睛中時，它會模糊您的視力。首先醫生會選擇用眼藥水治療，可能需要數週或數月的時間才能恢復。在更嚴重的情況下，患者可能需要在眼後注射類固醇激素或進行手術。
• 眼部感染︰手術期間進入您眼中的細菌可能導致感染。您可能對光敏感，或者有疼痛，發紅和視力問題。白內障手術後的感染很少見，通常可以用抗生素治療。在某些嚴重情況下，醫生可能去除了眼中心的玻璃狀透明凝膠，以阻止感染擴散。

患者應在白內障術後適當保養及按時覆診，如果在白內障手術後有不尋常的視力變化應立即尋求眼科醫生協助處理。

白內障手術常見問題

近視是時下小朋友最爲普遍的眼睛問題之一。據衛生署資料顯示，香港約有18% 的6歲兒童有近視問題；而12歲兒童近視率更高達62%，比率遠高於其他歐亞地區。除了不良用眼習慣外，如果父母本身有高度近視，那麽小朋友患上近視眼的幾率也會大幅增加。因此，早期預防及控制兒童近視加深極爲重要。

電子產品乃兒童近視的主因

隨著電子產品普及，近視兒童的年齡層也有逐漸上升的趨勢。不少家長把電子產品當作「兒童奶嘴」，小朋友在眼睛尚未完全發育的階段，就養成依賴電子產品的習慣，影響眼睛正常發育。

在患有近視的兒童中，其中有高達8成的兒童近視成因是用眼習慣不良所致。長時間觀看電子屏幕，會使瞳孔不斷適應光源變化，令調節瞳孔的睫狀肌時刻維持緊張狀態，導致眼睛過度疲勞，增強小朋友近視風險。若要預防或控制兒童近視程度，家長必須嚴格管控孩子使用電子產品的時間，同時鼓勵他們參與戶外活動，減少依賴「電子奶嘴」。

兒童近視也有分真假？

但其實近視也有「真近視」跟「假性近視」，前者是因爲眼睛結構已發生變化，所以無法自然恢復；後者則是眼睛暫時性疲勞的表現，只要適當放鬆眼睛肌肉，就能得到改善。由於兩類近視恢復的方式都不同，所以重點應先了解小朋友的近視屬哪一類。

假性近視常發生在12歲以下的小朋友身上，因爲小朋友的睫狀肌相當有力，加上他們長時間近距離使用電子產品，容易出現睫狀肌無法自然放鬆情況，因而導致假性近視。不過只要讓眼睛充分休息，假性近視的兒童就能恢復正常視力。

若是懷疑家中小朋友有視力問題，建議即刻尋求眼科醫生進行檢查，通常假性兒童近視可以恢復的，大多數是通過點藥去放鬆眼睛，從而檢測眼睛的真實屈光狀態，去判斷真/假近視。

雖然兒童假性近視可以恢復，但這也是近視的一大徵兆，若小朋友不及時更正用眼習慣的話亦有可能變成真近視。

如何發現小朋友患上近視？

小朋友不會意識到自己有視力問題，因此，家長應格外留神，通過觀察去判斷小朋友是否出現近視或其他視力問題。若出現以下近視徵兆，家長應帶小朋友去咨詢眼科醫生：

• 經常眨眼或揉眼睛
• 經常拉扯眼角或瞇眼去看遠處事物
• 經常傾斜頭部去看事物
• 看事物時眼睛和東西貼很近

疏於控制兒童近視有甚麼後果？

部分家長或認爲，若小朋友的近視不深便可不必理會。然而，實際上，如果兒童近視不做任何控制的話，近視度數會隨著年齡逐漸增加，甚至在短時間内急速飆升。若年幼時已有近視問題，那麽很容易會令近視度數超過500度。

但你以為就只有令近視加深那麼簡單嗎？不！當近視度數越深，日後罹患白內障、青光眼、黃斑病變等眼疾的機會也會幾何級上升，嚴重甚至可能導致失明。

• 白內障：高度近視者的水晶體容易退化和混濁，進而導致白內障的風險增加。
• 青光眼：高度近視者的眼壓較高，罹患青光眼的風險為正常人的4倍。
• 黃斑病變：在近視達800度且近視10年的病患中，約有5~10%患者合併黃斑部病變。
• 飛蚊症：高度近視者的玻璃體容易退化，進而產生纖維絲狀的懸浮物。
• 視網膜剝離：高度近視者的視網膜容易退化或萎縮，罹患視網膜剝離的風險是普通人的20倍以上。

因此，家長應積極關注兒童近視度數及採取控制和預防措施，避免兒童將來成爲高度近視者。

有哪些方法可控制兒童近視？

一般來說，小朋友最理想的近視加深速度應維持在每年不超過50度。若兒童近視每年增加超過100度，則屬於不尋常情況，未來亦有可能發展成高度近視，甚至會增加患上併發症的風險，所以醫學界近年來致力於研究出多種控制及改善兒童近視方法，以減緩兒童近視加深的速度。

Low-concentration atropine eye drops

低濃度阿托品眼藥水可抑制鞏膜過度生長，減慢眼球拉長，進而控制兒童近視加深，1年内就能減慢67%的加深。

然而，有些小朋友使用低濃度阿托品眼藥水後會出現畏光的副作用，或看近距離事物時不清的情況，因此，使用低濃度阿托品眼藥水前宜謹慎考慮。

角膜塑形隱形眼鏡 (OK鏡)

角膜塑形隱形眼鏡(OK鏡)是一種在夜間佩戴的隱形眼鏡，適用於近視不超過600度的近視兒童。其原理是通過高度透氧的硬性鏡片去幫助角膜塑形，讓使用者在日間時無需配戴眼鏡也可以看得清楚。研究證實，長期配戴OK鏡可以控制兒童近視度數加深，一般可以將兒童近視速度延緩至50%～80%。

不過，角膜塑形隱形眼鏡只是暫時性的矯正視力，若是停止配戴，兒童近視度數加深程度將恢復回原來的狀態。

另外，OK鏡片控制兒童近視的價格通常在HK$5,000～HK$10,000左右，加上每9個月左右就需要更換一次鏡片，因此這類兒童近視控制鏡片價格對部分家庭而言，或許會有些負擔。

離焦鏡片 (DIMS)

離焦鏡片有兩種度數，分別是中央位置是普通近視鏡片，及周邊鏡片，利用了近視離焦光學元素，把周邊的影像聚焦在視網膜前方，進而減慢眼球拉長，控制兒童近視速度。研究證實，配戴離焦鏡片的兒童在2年内近視速度明顯減慢52%。

可惜的是，離焦鏡片只適用於近視不超過650度，散光不超過400度的近視兒童，超過該度數的兒童只能另尋其他控制方案。再者，這類兒童近視控制鏡片的價格也不低，現時市售的兒童用的控制近視離焦鏡片價格大多HK$4,000起，價格直接令想用鏡片控制兒童近視的家長有所卻步。

更早期控制兒童近視的方法——兒童AI近視控制計劃

一如上述所講，部分控制兒童近視的眼藥水或會產生副作用，而現時市售的兒童用的控制近視離焦鏡片價格又偏高，加上所謂「預防勝於治療」，令家長開始意識到要控制兒童近視及近視加深的機率，並非在發現他們有近視後，才開始著手計劃，而是應在更早期就著手控制小朋友出現近視的風險。

兒童AI近視控制計劃是近年來香港重點研發的專項，預測準確率高達8成以上。目的是爲了能夠提前預測小朋友未來3年近視發展，並提前定制個體化的治療方案，控制兒童近視加深或恢復視力。

兒童AI近視控制計劃的主要流程如下：

1. 填寫小朋友生活習慣問卷
2. 進行各類眼睛檢查
3. 輸入檢查數據，通過人工智能與大數據分析小朋友未來3年近視狀況
4. 家長及眼科醫生可透過報告及圖表瞭解小朋友的近視發展是否屬於高風險
5. 眼科醫生將根據評估結果為小朋友定制個人化治療，延緩兒童近視加深，降低高度近視風險。

現時由眼科醫生湯文傑醫生負責的「兒童AI近視控制計劃」已於 129,242 青少年人群中進行驗證，預測準確率高達80%以上，為青少年近視預警提供幫助。

Parents can accurately predict their children's future myopia progression through the "Children's Myopia Control AI Platform." This AI platform uses big data intelligent analysis to generate predictive results, enabling parents to monitor changes in their children's refractive errors at different ages based on the prediction report (which parents can consider a "refractive development profile").Ophthalmologists will also use the prediction report to provide parents with a detailed analysis of their child's current myopia status, comparing it to normal refractive development for the same age group, and develop a personalized myopia treatment plan.

改善或控制兒童近視的日常方法

想預防或控制近視問題，除了尋求眼科醫生的幫助，家長也可以從日常生活中去幫助近視兒童恢復或改善視力。

建立正確的用眼習慣

盡量規定小朋友做功課或閲讀時要維持正確坐姿，避免趴著或躺著，也應避免他們在昏暗的環境閲讀或玩手機，並控制近視兒童每日使用電子產品的時間，及養成用眼每30分鐘，休息5~10分鐘的好習慣。

攝取護眼食物

家長平日亦可以給小朋友多攝取含有維生素A、C、E、葉黃素、花青素等之類的護眼食物，有助於近視兒童恢復或改善視力。

戶外活動

建議家長每日帶小朋友到戶外活動，例如到遊樂場玩耍、公園散步，減少他們使用電子產品的時間，而且戶外的陽光也能夠刺激視網膜多巴胺的分泌量，有效控制兒童近視加深。

兒童近視的發展速度極快，稍不注意度數就可能迅速飆升。因此，除了在日常生活中要監督小朋友養成良好用眼習慣，建議家長定期帶小朋友進行眼睛檢查。一旦發現異常，就能及時採取適當的控制措施和治療方案，以確保兒童視力的健康。