Myopia Management

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where close objects are seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. It’s becoming increasingly prevalent, especially among children and young adults, as modern lifestyles often involve prolonged near work, such as reading, screen time, and close-up tasks.

What to look for

Some common vision issues that indicate myopia.

Blurry Vision when looking at distant objects

Frequent Squinting to see clearly at a distance

Eye Strain or fatigue after reading or close-up work

Difficulty Seeing the board in class or while driving

What is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is too curved, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, objects in the distance appear blurry. Myopia typically develops in childhood and may worsen during the teenage years as the eyes continue to grow.

Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing myopia:

Genetic: If one or both parents are myopic, the risk of their children developing myopia is higher.

Prolonged Near Work: Spending excessive time on close-up activities such as reading, writing, or screen time (e.g. phones, tablets, and computers) may contribute to myopia.

Limited Outdoor Activity: Research shows that children who spend more time outdoors tend to have a lower risk of developing myopia. Natural light exposure is thought to be beneficial for eye health.

Age: Myopia typically develops in childhood and can worsen during adolescence as the eyes grow.

Although there is no cure for myopia, several management strategies are available to slow its progression and improve quality of life.

Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses: The most common way to correct myopia is through corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses).
- Glasses: Eyeglasses are a noninvasive and easy-to-use solution. Regular checkups with an eye care provider are important to ensure the prescription is up to date.
- Contact Lenses: Contact lenses provide a wider field of vision and may be a good option for active individuals. Certain types of contact lenses like orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, can even temporarily reshape the cornea and reduce myopia progression.

Myopia Control Lenses: Specialized lenses have been developed specifically for managing myopia progression particularly in children. These lenses are designed to reduce the elongation of the eye that leads to worsening myopia.
- Dual Focus Lenses: Lenses that use a combination of distance correction with added near vision correction are effective in slowing myopia progression
- Myopia Control Contact Lenses: Some types of contact lenses are designed with myopia control features, such as soft lenses with a center-distance design for multifocal lenses.

Atropine Eyedrops: Low-does atropine drops have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children. These Drops are typically applied once a day and are an effective option when combined with other treatment methods, such as corrective lenses.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Orthokeratology involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight that reshape the cornea to temporarily reduce myopia. This method can offer clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or regular contact lenses. Ortho-K is a popular choice for children to slow myopia progression.

While medical and optical treatments can help manage myopia, there are also lifestyle changes that can support eye health and potentially reduce myopia progression:

Spend Time Outdoors: Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors in natural light has been shown to reduce the risk of myopia development.

Take Breaks From Near Work: For children and adults who spend a significant amount of time reading, using electronic devices, or doing close-up work, the 20-20-20 rule is a useful technique: every 20 min. take a 20 second break and focus on ana object at least 20 feet away.

Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time is associated with increased myopia risk. Setting limits on daily screen usage and encouraging more outdoor activities can help maintain healthy eye development.

Ensure Proper Lighting: When reading, or working on close-up tasks, make sure the lighting is adequate. Dim lighting can increase eye strain, so it’s best to work in well-lit environments.

Proper Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, and omega-3 fatty acids supports eye health. Foods such as leafy greens, fish, and fruits are beneficial for maintaining good vision.

Is your child struggling

Signs of vision problems in children may include frequent squinting, rubbing of the eyes, difficulty focusing, sitting too close to the TV, or having trouble with reading and schoolwork. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam.