Controlling short-sightedness
Myopia Management
Myopia (short-sightedness) is on the increase. It affects 1.45 billion people worldwide, which is 27% of the world’s population.
Studies from around the world are showing a dramatic increase in Myopia in children in the last 20 years. Indeed, it is predicted to double in the next 20 years.
What are the risks with Myopia?
You would think this is good news for Optician’s, contact lens suppliers and Laser Eye providers?
However, it is bad news for Myopic adults and associated eyecare in years to come.
Myopic adults are at more risk of future eye problems such as:
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Glaucoma
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Retinal Detachment
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Myopic Macular Degeneration
The challenge for Optometrists is to find out why we are seeing such a large increase in Myopia and to find ways of slowing or halting its progress.
Over the last 5 years or so, there have been encouraging signs that we now have treatments available. These live under the banner of myopia management.
It is now known a number of factors that seem to influence the speed at which a prescription will change.
Research is showing...
It is important for a child to spend time outdoors. It is recommended to spend 90 minutes outside each day, being sun smart and 60 minutes being active. The benefits of UV cannot be underestimated.
Trying to reduce the amount of screen time to less than 2 hours after school and not to sit for too long. The constant use of smartphones, iPads and computers seems to be having an effect.
It is important to take regular breaks from reading and screen
Try to follow the elbow rule. which means keeping the forearm distance between the eyes and the book.
It is most important for children to have regular eye examinations to catch myopia at its earliest development.
So how do we achieve the aim to slow or possibly halt myopia progression?
There are generally 3 methods that Optometrists agree are having the best effect:
Orthokeratology – This is a reshaping of the front window of the eye (cornea), by wearing a hard contact lens overnight. This gentle moulding means in the morning, the lenses are removed, and the child does not need spectacles during the day. Click here to learn more.
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Multifocal Soft Daily Disposable Lenses – A soft lens is worn for the majority of the time and is showing very promising results in reducing how the eye lengthens. It is this growth in the eye which is the primary cause of myopia.
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Specialist Spectacle Lenses - Hoya have introduced the first myopia management lens called MiYo Smart. An innovative design that again seems to stop the eyes from elongating.
Want to know more?
Check out our handy video and leaflet below for more information. If you would prefer to speak to us about Myopia Management and how it may help, please feel free to email us at: myopiamanagement@simonfalk.co.uk
