What is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye that affects how light is focused. People with myopia can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. This occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer than normal or when the cornea has excessive curvature. As a result, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina, leading to blurred distance vision.
Why is Myopia a Concern?
Myopia is on the rise in North America, affecting about 42% of people in the U.S. Its prevalence is increasing, and 50% of the worlds population is projected to be myopic by 2050.
Myopia isn't just about needing glasses or contact lenses to see clearly; it's also associated with potential eye health risks. High levels of myopia can increase the risk of sight-threatening conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Taking steps to manage and control myopia can reduce the likelihood of these complications.
When does myopia progression occur?
Myopia progression typically occurs most rapidly during childhood and adolescence, particularly between the ages of 6 and 17. The early teenage years, around 12 to 16 years old, often see the fastest rate of myopia progression. However, it's important to note that myopia progression can vary among individuals, and factors such as genetics, environmental influences (like screen time and outdoor activities), and overall eye health play a role in the rate of progression. Regular eye exams and myopia management strategies during these critical years can help slow down the progression and reduce the associated risks.
The Goal of Myopia Management: Clear Vision, Healthy Eyes
The primary goal of myopia management is to slow down the progression of myopia. By doing so, we aim to achieve two crucial outcomes:
Clear Vision
We want to ensure that individuals with myopia continue to enjoy clear and comfortable vision for their daily activities, without the constant need for stronger glasses or contact lens prescriptions.
Reduced Future Risks
Myopia management is also about safeguarding long-term eye health. Slowing down myopia progression can help lower the risk of potentially sight-threatening conditions associated with high levels of myopia, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Taking Control: Treating Myopia
Fortunately, there are several options available to treat myopia and slow down its progression. Our clinic offers a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual's needs:
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
This non-invasive technique involves wearing FDA approved specialized gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. This can be especially beneficial for people who find glasses or traditional contact lenses uncomfortable or bothersome.
Atropine Drops
Prescription atropine eye drops can help relax the eye's focusing mechanism, slowing myopia progression. Atropine treatment can be combined with other myopia management methods for enhanced effectiveness, offering a more comprehensive approach to slowing myopia progression.
Multifocal Contact Lenses/Dual Focus Contact Lenses (MiSight, Ability)
These contact lenses have different prescriptions in different zones, allowing for clear vision at various distances. Children and teenagers often adapt well to wearing contact lenses. This is especially beneficial for activities such as sports and other outdoor pursuits.
Spectacle Treatment Lenses (Stellest Lens/Miyosmart Lens)
These treatment lenses are used to help manage myopia progression by using a technology called ‘defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS). The lens has multiple zones with different powers so that light enters the eye through these different zones and creates a controlled defocus on the peripheral retina, which has been shown to slow down the progression of myopia. This option is a good starting point for individuals who are not ready to try contact lenses or which to stick with traditional glasses and still get treatment.
Good Habits To Slow Down Myopia Progression
The Importance of 2 Hours of Outdoor Activity
Natural Light Exposure: Spending time outdoors exposes your eyes to natural sunlight. Natural light is significantly brighter than indoor lighting and contains a balanced spectrum of colors. This exposure helps in regulating the growth of the eye and plays a vital role in myopia control. Studies suggest that children who spend more time outdoors have a lower risk of developing myopia or experience slower myopia progression.
Increased Distance Vision: Outdoor activities typically involve looking at objects and scenes at various distances, which exercises your distance vision. This contrast to prolonged near work (such as reading or using digital screens) reduces the strain on the eye's focusing mechanism and helps in maintaining a healthy balance between near and distance vision.
Reduced Screen Time: Spending time outdoors naturally limits the amount of time spent on digital devices and other near tasks, which is known to contribute to myopia development. By engaging in outdoor activities, individuals tend to reduce their screen time, leading to better overall eye health.
The 20/20/20 Rule
The 20/20/20 rule is a simple technique to alleviate eye strain and reduce the risk of myopia progression, especially during prolonged periods of near work:
- Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break.
- During the break, focus on an object at least 20 feet away.
This rule reminds individuals to give their eyes a regular break from the constant strain of near vision tasks, promoting better visual comfort and reducing the risk of myopia development or progression.
The Elbow Rule
The Elbow Rule is another practical technique to maintain a healthy working distance from screens and books:
- Keep your digital devices, books, or other near work materials at least an arm's length away from your eyes.
This rule encourages a comfortable working distance that reduces the stress on your eyes' focusing muscles, thereby reducing the risk of myopia progression.
Take Action Today
We encourage you to schedule an appointment so we can discuss your options and develop a plan that aligns with you or your child’s vision and eye health goals. Remember, by taking proactive steps now, you're investing in clearer vision and healthier eyes for the future.