MYOPIA

Myopia (short-sightedness) is the inability to see distance objects clearly. It is currently recognised by the WHO as a potential cause of blindness. It is predicted that by 2050, 50% of the worlds population will be myopic.

Myopia can start at any age, but typically starts in childhood. The progression tends to be much more aggressive between the ages of 6-13. Generally speaking the younger the age at presentation, the more rapid the progression.

Various factors can influence the progression of myopia. If one parent is myopic, a child is 3x more likely to develop it, and if both parents are myopic, the child is 7x more likely to develop it. Environmental factors such as reduced time outdoors and increased screen time can also impact myopic progression.

Higher levels of myopia have been shown to increase the risk of developing certain eye conditions such as glaucoma, retinal detachments and macula changes.

Management is aimed at slowing down the progression of myopia:

Spectacles - special spectacle lenses use peripheral refocus technology to reduce the progression of myopia.

Orthokeratology - contact lenses which are worn overnight that gently reshape the cornea. They slow down myopic progression as well as offering freedom from spectacles and contact lenses during the day.

Soft Contact Lenses - specially designed lenses that are worn during the day also using peripheral defocus technology to slow down progression of myopia.

Atropine Eye Drops - not commercially available in the UK at this time.

To learn more about myopia control, and some of the research behind it, click here.