Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a refractive error of the eye in which objects that are close can be clearly seen but those that are far away appear blurry. Light beams focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too steeply curved. As a result, images from distant objects are not focused sharply on the retina, leading to blurred vision. Myopia is a common problem that may usually be treated with contact lenses, glasses, or refractive surgery.
IMPACTS OF MYOPIA PROGRESSION
Increased risk of eye diseases
Reduced quality of life
Financial burden
Higher dependency on corrective lenses
Limitations in career choices
Impact on children’s education
Psychological effects
Potential difficulties in driving
Increased risk of myopia-related complications with age
Risk of progression leading to severe myopia-related complications
Myopia control strategies focus on addressing the underlying factors contributing to myopia progression, such as excessive elongation of the eyeball. Some common methods of myopia control include:
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
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Ortho-K involves wearing special contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. By reshaping the cornea, Ortho-K can correct refractive errors and potentially slow down the progression of myopia.
Peripheral Defocus Control Lenses
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These glasses or contact lenses are designed to manipulate peripheral vision to reduce the stimulus for eye growth, potentially slowing down myopia progression
Atropine Eye Drops
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Atropine is a medication that, when applied as eye drops, can help relax the focusing mechanism of the eye and slow down myopia progression. Low-dose atropine eye drops have been found to be effective in reducing myopia progression in children.
Multifocal or Dual-Focus Contact Lenses
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These contact lenses have different zones with varying powers, which can help reduce eye strain and slow down myopia progression by controlling the peripheral defocus in the eye.
Myopia control strategies are typically recommended for children and adolescents with progressive myopia, as early intervention has the most significant benefit in reducing the risk of developing high myopia and associated vision complications later in life. It’s essential to consult an eye care professional to determine the most suitable myopia control approach.
LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS
Outdoors Time: Regular outdoor activities in natural light lower myopia risk
Take Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to ease eye strain
Maintaining Good Posture: Ergonomic setups for reading and computer work reduce neck and eye strain
Lighting Matters: Adequate lighting reduces eye discomfort during close-up tasks; choose natural or adjustable lighting to minimise glare
Healthy Eating: A diet rich in fruits vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids supports overall eye health
Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout the day to prevent dry eyes especially during screen time or in dry environments
Eye Exams: Regular exams catch vision changes early allowing timely intervention
Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen use especially before bed causes digital eye strain and disrupts sleep
Adequate Sleep: Enough rest each night is vital for overall health and eye health allowing the eyes to recharge
Avoid Eye Rubbing: Excessive rubbing can lead to irritation redness and higher risk of infection
Book with us for a comprehensive myopia assessment tailored to your needs. Our expert team ensures thorough evaluation and personalised care for optimal vision health.