Myopia Management
MYOPIA – A RISING GLOBAL EPIDEMIC
What is Myopia
Myopia or nearsightedness is where the eyeball grows too long, resulting in blurred far vision while still able to see nearby objects clearly. Myopia prevalence is increasing around the world. By 2050, it is estimated that half the world population would be myopic.
What Causes Myopia
The exact causes of this remain unclear but many believe it is as a result of multi-factorial, heredity, Lifestyle (prolonged close work), not spending enough time outdoors & other Unknown factors
What are the Symptoms of Myopia?
Common myopia symptoms include squinting, headaches, eye strain, eye fatigue, trouble reading objects at a distance.
What are the risks of Myopia?
Kids with high myopia are at a higher risk of pathological complications like Myopic Macular Degeneration, Retinal Detachment, Cataracts, Glaucoma etc., later in life.
Myopia Management Options
Myopia can be effectively treated with either glasses or contact lenses. But Studies have shown that increasing outdoor time slows myopia progression. A good time to aim is about 2 hours per day doing some outdoor activities.
There are some clinically proven treatment options for myopia control
Eye Drops
Atropine eye drops have been shown to have some benefit in slowing the progression of myopia. Using Atropine drops does not correct myopia, so your child would still need to wear glasses or contact lenses
Spectacle Lenses for Myopia Control
New innovations with spectacle lens designs are now available to reduce progression of myopia. Theses lenses will correct myopia and offer much improved myopia control
Orthokeratology
These are specially designed Gas Permeable lenses designed to mold the shape of cornea overnight. When the lenses are removed in the morning the child can benefit from clear vision with out any glasses or contact lenses during the day time.
Myopia Control Contact Lens
These are specially designed soft daily disposable lenses that are worn during daytime. These lenses give clear comfortable vision as well as slowing down myopia progression.