WHAT IS MYOPIA?

Myopia is often referred to as nearsightedness. The primary symptom is difficulty seeing in the distance and is the most common refractive eye condition in the world. It occurs when the eye is longer than it should be. The greater the number, the more severe the myopia.

Once myopia onsets in children (which typically appears in kids from age 5 to 14) it can progress every few months until teenage or early adulthood years. That is also the time when myopia progression should be slowed as much as possible.

Myopia is not new, but our understanding of the significance of myopia progression is changing. It has been rising in young children due to environmental factors as they spend less time outdoors and more time working up close.

Myopia management is the name given to a number of techniques that have been shown to slow the progression of myopia. In slowing progression, it can keep myopia levels under control and reduce the risk of eye diseases and vision problems over a person’s lifetime.

SYMPTOMS

  • Complaints of blurry vision
  • Frequent eye rubbing/headaches
  • Frequent changes in prescription

RISKS

  • Lifestyle: Decreased time outdoors and increased near work.
  • Genetics: Children are at a higher risk if both parents have myopia.
  • Ethnicity: Some groups of people have higher rates of myopia than others. Patients with Asian ethnicity have higher chance of myopia progression.
  • Onset: Younger onset has higher chance of progression.

MYOPIA MANAGEMENT BENEFITS:

  • Slows the progression of myopia
  • Corrects vision
  • Accommodates more active lifestyles
  • Potential reduction of ocular health issues associated with high amounts of myopia such as retinal detachments and/or cataracts.