What is Myopia?
Near sightedness (or myopia) is an eye focusing disorder which is estimated to affect 30% of the world’s current population. Myopic people see near objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. The number of people suffering from myopia is increasing rapidly as children and adults are spending more time on phones, computers and tablets, watching television, reading books, and less time involved in outdoor play. Myopia treatment has therefore become common practice, with more and more children diagnosed with nearsightedness each year. The world is going through a global epidemic in myopia, and the prediction is that 50% of the world’s population will have some form of myopic correction by 2050.
How does myopia develop?
In someone with myopia, the light focuses at a point in front of the retina, which means that near objects are seen clearly, but objects further away are blurry. This can happen when the cornea is curved too much (is too ‘steep’) or the eye is too long (or grows too long). Several different factors are thought to lead to abnormal elongation of the eyes. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors associated with urbanisation, increased near work and lack of time spent outdoors are all thought to be risk factors associated with myopia. When they act together, the risk increases.1,2
Why try and Prevent Myopia from progressing?
High myopia (greater than -6.00 Diopters) is an irreversible and life-long condition. It can lead to physical changes in the eye, at which point it is referred to as pathologic myopia. In adult life, people with high myopia are at greater risk of a range of potentially blinding eye conditions, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataract and macular degeneration. A -8.00D myope may have 10X MORE risk of developing vision impairment than a -4.00D myope.
What can be done?
Recent research has shown that it is possible to slow down the progression of myopia in children and teenagers, and sometimes even adults. Myopia progression can be slowed or reduced with specialized treatments, protecting your child’s vision.
Note: SINGLE VISION EYEGLASSES ALONE CANNOT SLOW DOWN MYOPIA PROGRESSION.
Myopia prevention methods practiced at Canmore Family Eyecare include:
- Myopia Control Spectacle correction: This method works by relaxing the near vision through the glasses by using a myopia-prevention spectacle lens, such as Essilor Stellest lenses. Studies have shown that these types of lenses can reliably reduce progression of myopia by up to 67% or more on average. The eye growth in 9/10 children wearing Stellest lenses in a 2-year-clinical-trial was the similar or slower than a non-myopic eye. Find out More
- Myopia Control daily contact lenses, such as Coopervision Misight: These are daily contact lenses approved for children aged 8 and older to prevent myopia progression. Misight studies have been shown to reduce myopia prevention by up to 59%. This is one of the most successful means of preventing myopia progression. Find out More
Other Myopia Control options: (please discuss with your Optometrist):
1. Orthokeratology has also been shown to be a less effective technique for myopia control. This requires specialty fitting of an overnight hard contact lens to reshape the eye whilst the child sleeps. The lens is then removed for daytime wear and re-placed back in the eye overnight.
2. Atropine therapy: medicated drops that cause the eye to blur and defocus, thus preventing myopia from progressing as quickly. These drops cause large pupils and deliberately defocus the eyes.
How do I decide which is the best option for my child?
The starting point for this is to discuss the options with your Optometrists, Dr. Jo Phillips and Dr. Jared. Gervais. Each child is different and not all children are on-board with putting a contact lens into their eye at a young age.
Determine your child’s needs before making a decision. A child’s ability to wear and take care of contact lenses may determine the most effective treatment method for them.
At your child’s appointment, you can discuss the best options to slow myopia progression. You can ask any questions you may have about the available treatments to figure out the best option for your child.
How often should my myopic child be checked?
At a minimum every 6 months during growing years from ages 8-12, and often until older if still progressing. Otherwise a yearly examination is recommended for children.
How early can myopia prevention start?
As young as the patient is comfortable, and as early as a -0.50Diopter prescription. Particularly if there are high risk factors with genetics, or excessive screen time.
How to Help Prevent Myopic Eyes from Getting Worse
1. Always wear your prescription reading glasses when viewing anything within your arm’s length or closer. This includes computers and tablets.
2. Viewing distance (the distance between your eyes and the screen/book) should never be closer than the distance from your elbow to your fist when your fist is placed on your chin.
3. Ensure good lighting when reading, using the computer and watching TV. Dark rooms are never a good idea.
4. Two light sources are recommended when reading or doing nearwork; a room light and a direct light on the page or task.
5. Avoid close work for extended periods of time and give your eyes a break. Children should have a break every 15-20 minutes. 30 minutes is recommended for teenagers and also adults.
7. Outdoor time Sports such as basketball, hockey and and soccer are great for promoting peripheral vision. New research shows that children should spend a minimum of 80 minutes outdoors in the daylight every single day.
9. Avoid screens where possible. Minimise or eliminate small screens completely. Use phones only for making calls and sending messages – no web browsing or Facebook viewing. Do that on a bigger screen further away from your eyes.
Video #1: Our eyes really are getting worse. Here’s how to save your kids’ vision
Video #2: A documentary on the increasing epidemic of myopia.
References
1. Pan CW, Ramamurthy D, Saw SM. Worldwide prevalence and risk factors for myopia. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2012. Jan;32(1):3–16 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
2. Ramamurthy D, Lin Chua SY, Saw SM. A review of environmental risk factors for myopia during early life, childhood and adolescence. Clin Exp Optom. 2015. Nov;98(6):497–506 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
3. Eyeglasses for Global Development Bridging the Visual Divide; World Economic Forum, Social Entrepreneaurs, EYElliance, June 2016
4. Prevalence and progression of myopic retinopathy in Chinese adults, the Beijing Eye Study, Ophthalmology 117, 1763-1768 Vongphanit. J, Mitchell. P, Wang, J.J. 2002
5. Prevalence and progression of myopic retinopathy in an older population, Ophthalmology 109, 704-711