MYOPIA (Short sightedness) causes people to have difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. The eyeball stretches and is too long or too powerful. Growing levels of high myopia increases the risk of serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, maculopathy and cataract, which may lead to permanent blindness. It affects many school-aged children and is fast becoming a major public health issue of our time. It is estimated that by 2050 ,50% of the world population will be myopic. It is becoming an 'epidemic'. The causes of myopia are multifactorial but include genetics/family history, the environment and the individual’s visual characteristics. MYOPIA CONTROL strategies are used to delay the onset or slow the progression of myopia. Early intervention is essential. The various approaches include:
- LIFESTYLE APPROACH: Frequent visual breaks with near work, limiting use of technology( eg.do not allow young toddlers under 3 yo to be on iphones) , good posture when doing near work (writing slope and correct working distance) and encouraging more outdoor time. Research indicates that children should spend more time outdoors (2-3 hours per day) and less time on their electronic devices. 2.OPTICAL APPROACH : Progressive addition (multifocal) and bifocal lenses, peripheral defocus spectacles (eg. Myovision )and Myopilux lenses. Multifocal soft contact lenses and Ortho-K (specially designed moulding hard contact lenses that you sleep in). 3.PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACH: low dose atropine drops .01%(in Australia). Regular optometric reviews are recommended to monitor progression . Ring Rashelle Cohen optometrist on 95281910 for an apt.
