Today's Vision Richmond November Blog

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition that causes near objects to appear clear, but objects farther away look blurry. Over the past few years, the prevalence of myopia has been increasing exponentially, making it a global public health concern. The prevalence of myopia in US children has doubled in over the past ten years, and it’s projected that 50% of the world’s population will be myopic by 2050. However, there are many treatment options available, so let’s jump into understanding myopia, risks, and available treatment options.
 

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is elongated, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This causes blurred vision when looking at distant objects while nearby objects remain clear. It commonly begins in childhood or adolescence and may worsen as the eyes continue to grow. The main risk factors of myopia include the following:
 

• Genetics: Myopia can have a genetic component. If one parent is myopic, their children have a 25% chance of developing myopia. If both parents are myopic, their children are at a 50% risk of developing myopia.

• Close-up Activities:  Spending large amounts of time engaged in activities that demand close-up focus, such as reading, using electronics, and doing detailed work, has been associated with a higher risk of developing myopia.

•  Lack of Outdoor Time: Research suggests that less than 60-90 minutes per day spent outdoors in natural sunlight can contribute to myopia.

Furthermore, severe myopia heightens the risk of developing vision-threatening conditions, like retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy. The progression of myopia can also result in an increased reliance on corrective lenses and may negatively affect one’s quality of life.
 

To address myopia over the long term, eyeglasses are insufficient. Below are alternative treatment options that have gained momentum and shown positive results within specific demographics.
 

MiSight Lenses:

MiSight lenses, also referred to as soft multifocal contact lenses, offer an innovative approach to managing myopia progression. These lenses offer clear distance vision while slowing down the elongation of the eyeball. By integrating various lens powers, they enhance peripheral focus and diminish the stimulus for axial elongation. MiSight lenses have shown promising results in clinical trials, demonstrating their efficacy in slowing myopia progression in children and teenagers.
 

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):

Orthokeratology, often referred to as Ortho-K utilizes specialty-crafted rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight. These lenses gently alter the cornea's shape during sleep, providing temporary correction for myopia. During waking hours, the cornea maintains its reshaped form, leading to enhanced vision without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. Ortho-K proves to be an effective method for controlling the advancement of myopia and is especially favored by those who find daytime contact lens wear impractical.
 

Atropine:

Atropine eye drops, originally employed to dilate pupils, have gained recognition as an effective approach for managing myopia. When administered in low concentrations (such as 0.01% or 0.05%), atropine eye drops can slow down myopia progression. Atropine works by relaxing the focusing mechanism of the eye and potentially inhibiting the elongation of the eyeball. This treatment has demonstrated promising outcomes in various research studies.
 

Taking measures to manage myopia is essential for protecting your vision and reducing the associated risks of myopia progression. Given the increasing prevalence of myopia, embracing innovative treatments can be highly effective in slowing down its progression, particularly in children and adolescents. Early intervention and consistent eye check-ups are pivotal in recognizing and applying suitable strategies for myopia management, ensuring a clearer and healthier future. Get in touch with us today to explore how we can assist you in managing your myopia!