As our world shrinks with the increased use of handheld digital devices such as smartphones, intensified education and the obligatory computer use, the rates of myopia (short-sightedness) increases. Fortunately now we have various methods to slow myopia progression and in some cases stop completely the progression of myopia in our young people. There is an option for every myopia!
With the increased use of handheld digital devices such as smartphones, intensified education and the obligatory computer use, the rates of myopia (short-sightedness) increases. Over the last 25 years the incidence of short-sightedness has increased and is continuing to do so, with the onset happening at younger ages and progressing during the growing years. Genetics and environment are the key factors in how an individual’s myopia will progress. Unfortunately risks for retinal detachment, myopic macula disease and glaucoma in adulthood increase due to the lengthening of the eye and subsequent strain on the ocular tissues.
Ortho-K is the process of applying a rigid contact lens to the cornea (clear window on the front of the eye) to re-shape it you sleep. By re-shaping the cornea at night you can then see during the day without contact lenses or glasses in place. The huge benefit of this option for the progressive myope is that the pattern of defocus on the back of the eye (the retina) has been shown to slow and in many cases prevent the lengthening of the eye which results in increased myopia.
Things you need to know:
Soft bifocal or multifocal lens designs achieve a similar result to Ortho-K lenses by altering the optics of the eye in such a way that progression of short-sightedness is not encouraged. Improvement of this technology has made this option another great tool to offer those at risk of progressing myopia.
Atropine eye drops have been shown to decrease the progression of myopia and their use is gaining popularity. These drops signal the inner layers of the eyeball to refrain from elongating excessively. These drops can currently only be accessed via an ophthalmologist. A referral for baseline axial length measurements and atropine discussion is a worthwhile undertaking prior to starting myopia control.
In some patient’s poor ocular co-ordination at near may require multifocal spectacle lenses which will potentially prevent myopia control by relaxing and assisting the eyes near focus. Myopia control with this method is varied.
Technology in this area is evolving constantly giving us myopia control spectacles lenses another option to choose from for our progressing myope.
This one should be easy and it costs nothing! There is evidence to suggest spending at least 2 hours outdoors in the sunshine can reduce the rate of myopia.
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is a common eye condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are seen clearly. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
The primary symptom of myopia is difficulty seeing objects in the distance, such as road signs or a whiteboard at school. Other symptoms may include squinting, eye strain, headaches, or feeling fatigued after prolonged focus on distant tasks.
Myopia can result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. If one or both parents are myopic, there’s a higher chance their children may also develop the condition. Prolonged near-work activities, such as reading, using digital screens, or studying in poor lighting, can also contribute to its progression.
Yes, myopia can be effectively managed with corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses). For some people, laser eye surgery may be an option. Additionally, specialised treatments like orthokeratology (ortho-k) or atropine eye drops can help slow the progression of myopia in children.
Yes, myopia often develops during childhood and can progress during the school years. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent high myopia, which can increase the risk of other eye conditions later in life.
Myopia typically progresses during childhood and adolescence as the eyes grow. For most people, the condition stabilises in their late teens or early twenties. However, environmental factors and excessive near-work can contribute to further progression.
An optometrist can diagnose myopia through a comprehensive eye examination, which includes tests to measure visual acuity and assess the health of your eyes. Regular eye exams are essential, especially for children, to detect and manage the condition early.
While myopia cannot always be prevented, you can take steps to reduce the risk of its progression. Encourage children to take regular breaks from screen time, spend time outdoors, and maintain proper lighting while reading or studying.
Myopia control treatments aim to slow the progression of myopia in children. Options include ortho-k lenses, multifocal contact lenses, atropine eye drops, and specialised spectacle lenses. Consult your optometrist to determine the most suitable approach for your child.
You should see an optometrist if you or your child experience difficulty seeing distant objects, frequent squinting, or eye strain. Regular eye examinations are recommended, especially for children, to monitor eye health and ensure proper vision development.
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