Here at Envision Optical on the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads, myopia is a common condition that we see in patients on a regular basis. Myopia, also known as near-sightedness, is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear.
Myopia has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, especially in urban areas, and it is estimated that by 2050, almost 50% of the world's population will be myopic. On the Gold Coast we are seeing roughly 25-30% of young patients becoming myopic. In some Asian countries this is as high as 90% of teenagers!!
Myopia progression brings with it:
- Increasingly blurred vision
- The need for frequent changes in prescription of either spectacle or contact lens
- Increased risk of developing serious eye diseases and vision problems over a lifetime
Myopia in children and teens is not just about correction with a pair of glasses or contact lenses. The degree of myopia typically progresses or worsens every year until the late teenage or early adulthood years. The most common cause of childhood myopia and its progression is axial elongation of the eye. This is when the eyeball grows too long from front to back. In general, myopia control works by slowing this elongation. We consider an essential part of the myopia management program is measuring the axial length of the eye using specialised scanners, and monitoring for any change at each review visit to appropriately evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment program.
What is Myopia Control?
Myopia control has increasingly become the adopted term to describe the group of methods that optometrists can use to slow the progression of childhood myopia. There is no cure for myopia, but there are ways to help control how rapidly it develops or progresses. Children aged 6-10 years tend to show the most rapid progression, or worsening, of their myopia. This means it is crucial to start a myopia control treatment as soon as possible.
There are several effective methods of myopia control that we may recommend to our patients which can be used one at a time or often in combination These treatments include special types of spectacle lenses (glasses), soft contact lenses, ortho-k, and atropine eye drops.
Myopia control methods
Currently, the following categorize preferred myopia control interventions. Each counteract myopia development or progression, and work in different ways:
- Contact Lenses - Myopia control contact lenses have different focusing power in different zones. They provide clear vision through the day and also control myopia progression by around 60%.
- Spectacles - Over the last 8 to 10 years, there has been a lot of research and progress in the design of myopia control spectacles. These lenses help you see clearly while reducing the amount of future progression. Studies show that these new designs can reduce myopia progression by around 60%.
- Orthokeratology - Also known as ortho-k, is a unique type of vision correction. The lenses temporarily change the shape of the cornea during sleep, so vision is clear the next day. The patient clearly sees all day without glasses or regular contact lenses. For more information on ortho-k click here
- Atropine Eye drops – Research shows that low-dose atropine eye drops (0.05%) can slow progression for over three years. This can have a significant impact if children use the drops during the peak years of myopia progression. You do need to wear glasses or contacts through the day to see clearly though.
- Habit adjustments – Increasing time outdoors and reducing prolonged near-work activities. Research shows 2 hours a day of outdoor time is beneficial in reducing the risk on myopia onset. Conversely less near focus and screentime is recommended.
Myopia control is about quality of life.
The short-term benefits of myopia control are better vision and improving quality of life. With myopia control, children and teenagers will undergo less frequent changes in their prescription. With vision being more stable and deteriorating less between eye checks, children and teenagers have clearer vision to fully participate in school, sport, and other daily activities without limitations.
Myopia control is about protecting eye health.
Our eyes are meant to grow in childhood, at a regular rate up until age 10 to 12. However, if they grow too quickly or don’t stop at age 10 to 12, then a child becomes increasingly myopic, and the eyeball effectively stretches. Myopia control is so important because of the potential long-term consequences of high myopia. Research has shown that myopia can lead to higher lifelong risks of eye diseases like cataract, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration. Compared to someone who doesn't have myopia, even low levels can increase the risk of eye diseases. These conditions can lead to significant vision loss or even blindness, which is why it is crucial to prevent or slow the progression of myopia in children and young adults.
Ongoing Care for Future Vision
It is important to note that myopia control is not a one-time solution and requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments to ensure effectiveness and includes all the eye-health care a person with myopia might need. Ranging from diagnosing childhood myopia to addressing its complications in adulthood, it is crucial for patients to visit their optometrist regularly for check-ups and to discuss any concerns or changes in their vision.
The best way to take advantage of myopia control methods is to detect myopia early. This means ensuring that kids receive early childhood eye exams. Routine eye exams are important for all kids, even if they don't seem to have vision problems. Our optometrists at Envision Optical, have a special interest in myopia control, and offer all the mentioned management options to our Gold Coast and Tweed heads myopia control patients. We partner with our patients to select the most appropriate treatment option to suit their lifestyle. For a comprehensive evaluation and discussion of the best options for you or your child, book a myopia exam today online or by calling the Burleigh or Tweed practices.