Myopia, also known as near-sightedness, is a common refractive error of the eye where objects that are far away appear blurry, while closer objects appear clear. This happens when the eyeball is long or the cornea is curved, which causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than on it.
As a result, people with myopia have difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, but can usually see objects that are closer to them without difficulty. Myopia can range in severity from mild to severe, and if it goes untreated in some situations, it can seriously impair vision. It can be diagnosed by an eye doctor through a comprehensive eye exam and can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Common myopia control treatments
Myopia control treatments are methods used to slow down the progression of myopia, especially in children and adolescents. It reduces the risk of developing high myopia which can lead to eye complications such as retinal detachment and myopic maculopathy.
1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):
Ortho-K is a non-surgical treatment where the patient wears specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily, correcting myopia. The treatment can also help slow the progression of myopia by controlling the elongation of the eye.
2. Multifocal Contact Lenses:
Multifocal contact lenses have different prescriptions in different parts of the lens, allowing for clear vision at different distances. According to studies, wearing multifocal contacts can halt the progression of myopia.
3. Atropine Eye Drops:
Atropine eye drops dilate the pupils and relax the focusing muscles of the eye, reducing the amount of stress put on the eye during close work. Atropine eye drops are effective in slowing down the progression of myopia.
4. Behavioural Modification:
This treatment involves changing certain habits and behaviours that can contribute to the progression of myopia, such as reducing screen time, increasing outdoor activities, and maintaining good lighting and reading posture. According to studies, these modifications can aid in halting the growth of myopia.
Regular eye exams can help detect myopia early and monitor its progression. Parents need to book an appointment every year and have their kids’ eyes examined.
Benefits of myopia management
Myopia control refers to a range of interventions that aim to slow down the progression of near-sightedness or myopia. Myopia management is beneficial in multiple ways.
Reduced risk of eye diseases: High levels of myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment. Slowing down the progression of myopia can help reduce the risk of these conditions.
Improved visual acuity: People with myopia often have poor distance vision, which can affect their ability to perform daily activities such as driving or playing sports. Myopia control can help improve visual acuity and make these activities easier.
Reduced reliance on corrective lenses: By slowing down the progression of myopia, individuals may need less frequent updates to their corrective lenses, reducing their reliance on glasses or contact lenses.
Potential cost savings: Fewer updates to corrective lenses and a reduced risk of eye diseases can result in long-term cost savings for individuals and their families.
Better quality of life: Improved visual acuity and reduced reliance on corrective lenses can lead to a better quality of life, allowing individuals to participate in activities they may have previously avoided.
Who is eligible for myopia control treatment?
Myopia control treatment is typically recommended for children and teenagers who are at risk of developing high levels of near-sightedness. The treatment is usually most effective for those who have mild to moderate myopia and whose eyes are still developing.
In general, the ideal age to start myopia intrusion treatment is between 6 and 12 years old, although treatment can be effective up to age 18. A family history of myopia, spending a lot of time reading or using electronics up close, and spending little time outside are all factors that could make it more likely that you'll need myopia management treatment.
Conclusion:
It is important to note that myopia control methods may not completely halt the progression of myopia, and the effectiveness of different interventions may vary depending on individual factors. Therefore, it is important to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best course of action for each individual.
コメント