The Psychological Impacts of Myopia Diagnosis and Treatment, with Thuy-Lan Nguyen, OD

At the 2025 American Optometric Association Conference in Minneapolis, MN, Thuy-Lan Nguyen, OD, assistant professor at Nova Southeastern University, presented her lecture on the psychological impacts of myopia care.1

Myopia has long been a central focus of a significant amount of research. However, there is little in the literature discussing its psychological impact on both patients and their families. Previous studies have investigated the mental health of parents of children with myopia, finding a direct correlation between the diagnosis and increased anxiety and depressive symptoms.2

Additionally, studies investigating the psychological impact on adolescents diagnosed with myopia have indicated a high prevalence of anxiety and various mood disorders compared to those without myopia. One particular study, conducted in Israel, found a nearly twofold increase in odds of anxiety as a result of the diagnosis.3

Nguyen discussed the limited awareness that the psychological side of myopia treatment receives in the optometry field. She commented on the communication strategies that she recommends for helping children and families understand and commit to long-term therapy.

“A lot of parents, even if they accept the idea that their child might need to wear glasses, may not be aware of the new research and the new technology that we have that can help to slow the changes or the progression of myopia,” Nguyen told HCPLive. “It’s mostly a conversation with parents to get them to understand there are things that we can do, that times have changed.”

Nguyen also pointed out the potentially prohibitive barrier of cost, noting that many approach myopia control as a one-time investment in a pair of glasses rather than a significant commitment to long-term therapy.

“We can easily write that prescription and your child can go ahead and get glasses, keep it simple,” Nguyen said. “But the long term consequences of not doing something may be greater than the initial investment, and it’s really just a matter of educating patients, having the empathy to understand it’s a lot for them to process, both mentally and emotionally, but also financially.”

Nguyen also discussed potential future treatments, from spectacles and contacts to actual medications and surgeries.

“A lot of the research comes from overseas and eventually we’ll have it here in the states, treatments other than just glasses, contacts, and medications,” Nguyen said. “Red light therapy is being studied overseas, as well as other noninvasive surgeries that can help to slow the progression of myopia. There’s a lot of potential out there – only time will tell.”

Ultimately, Nguyen encouraged clinicians to consider the stresses and psychological burdens that children and families may experience after a myopia diagnosis. She suggested that, while simple prescriptions can be effective, clinicians should keep in mind that treatment must often be tailored to the patient.

“We can all write the prescriptions – we do it every day and we do it multiple times a day,” Nguyen said. “Just know that kids are stressed, and sometimes being told that they are nearsighted can certainly add to that stress, and we should be aware of that and understand that. Sometimes you have to cater your treatment to the individual. Not every myope is the same.”

References

1. 1: Nguyen T. The Psychology and Science of Myopia Control. Presented at the 2025 American Optometric Association Conference in Minneapolis, MN, June 25-28, 2025.

2. 2: Guo LY, Sun H, Hu M, Jiang YH, Luo ZH. Mental health status of parents of young patients with high myopia. J Int Med Res. 2020;48(1):300060519873474. doi:10.1177/0300060519873474

3. 3: Nitzan I, Shmueli O, Safir M. Association of myopia with anxiety and mood disorders in adolescents. Eye. 2024;38(15):3016-3018. doi:10.1038/s41433-024-03170-6