What is Myopia?
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that affects how the eye focuses light. Individuals with myopia can see nearby objects clearly but struggle to see objects in the distance. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. As a result, distant objects appear blurry.
Myopia is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, especially among children and young adults. Factors such as genetics, excessive screen time, prolonged near work (e.g., reading and using digital devices), and limited outdoor activity have been linked to the rise in myopia cases. Left uncorrected or unmanaged, myopia can progress over time, increasing the risk of eye diseases like retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy later in life.
Myopia Control: Managing Progression
Although myopia cannot be reversed, several myopia control strategies can help slow its progression, particularly in children and teenagers. At Tamas EyeCare, we consider your child’s lifestyle and specific needs to tailor the most appropriate myopia management plan.
1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K lenses are specialized rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while sleeping, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. This option is particularly beneficial for children with active lifestyles (soccer, swimming, etc). Since the lenses are worn overnight and removed in the morning, kids can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without worrying about losing or breaking glasses during sports or outdoor activities. Additionally, Ortho-K eliminates the need for daytime contact lenses, reducing the risk of eye irritation from dust, sweat, or water exposure during play
2. Myopia Control Glasses
Myopia control glasses are designed to slow myopia progression by modifying peripheral light focus. One of the most innovative options are MiyoSmart lenses. These lenses look and function like regular glasses but contain a unique lens design that helps control how light focuses on the retina, encouraging the eye to grow at a slower rate. MiyoSmart lenses are a great option for children who prefer glasses over contact lenses and want a simple, non-invasive way to manage myopia progression.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
Environmental factors play a significant role in myopia development. Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors (at least 2 hours per day), limiting screen time, taking regular breaks from near work, and maintaining proper lighting while reading or using devices can help reduce the risk of myopia progression.
Why is Myopia Control Important?
Managing myopia progression is crucial in reducing the long-term risks associated with high myopia. Severe myopia increases the likelihood of serious eye conditions that can lead to vision loss later in life. As the eyeball elongates excessively, the retina and other structures within the eye become stretched and thinner, making them more vulnerable to damage. By implementing myopia control strategies early, individuals can maintain better eye health and reduce future complications.
If you or your child has myopia, it’s essential to consult an optometrist to determine the most suitable myopia control approach. With advancements in eye care technology, several options are available to help slow myopia progression and protect long-term vision health. For more information or to schedule an eye exam at Tamas EyeCare, book online, call (587) 755-6060 or email frontdesk@tamaseyecare.com. Taking proactive steps today can lead to clearer vision and healthier eyes for the future!
