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Myopia Control: Managing and Slowing the Progression of Nearsightedness

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. It occurs when the eyeball is longer than normal or the cornea is steeper, resulting in light focusing in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Myopia control refers to a range of methods and interventions aimed at managing and slowing down the progression of myopia. The primary goal of myopia control is to reduce the rate at which nearsightedness worsens over time. By implementing specific strategies, myopia control aims to minimise the risk of high myopia, which is associated with an increased likelihood of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.
Myopia control is particularly beneficial for children and teenagers who have been diagnosed with myopia. Since the progression of myopia tends to be more rapid during childhood and adolescence, early intervention is crucial for better long-term eye health. However, myopia control techniques can also be beneficial for adults with progressing myopia.
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Methods and Interventions for Myopia Control:

Several methods and interventions are available to manage and slow down the progression of myopia. These include:

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):

This non-surgical technique involves wearing specialised gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. The corneal reshaping provides clear vision during the day, reducing the dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Multifocal Contact Lenses

These contact lenses have different zones that allow clear vision for both near and distant objects. By creating simultaneous defocus, they can help slow down myopia progression.

Environmental Modifications

Strategies such as increasing outdoor time, reducing screen time, maintaining proper lighting conditions, and encouraging regular breaks from near work can also contribute to myopia control.

Multifocal Eyeglasses

Similar to multifocal contact lenses, these eyeglasses have different zones for near and distance vision, which can help control myopia progression.

Benefits of Myopia Control:

Engaging in myopia control offers several potential benefits:

Slowed Progression

Myopia control methods have shown promising results in slowing down the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of high myopia and associated eye conditions.

Reduced Dependence on Corrective Lenses

By slowing the progression of myopia, myopia control can potentially decrease the need for frequent updates of eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions.

Better Long-Term Eye Health

Managing myopia can help reduce the risks associated with high myopia, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.

Enhanced Visual Comfort

Myopia control methods can improve visual comfort, reduce eyestrain, and enhance overall visual experience for individuals with nearsightedness.

How Else Can Children Reduce the Impact of Myopia?

In addition to myopia control techniques, children can take additional measures to reduce the impact of myopia. Here are some helpful strategies:

Outdoor Time

Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors has been associated with a reduced risk of myopia development and progression.

Limited Screen Time

Balancing screen time with other activities and ensuring proper viewing distances can help alleviate eyestrain and reduce the impact of myopia.

Frequent Breaks

Encouraging children to take regular breaks during near work, such as reading or using electronic devices, can alleviate eye fatigue and reduce the strain on their eyes.

Proper Lighting

Ensuring adequate lighting conditions during near work tasks helps reduce eye strain and supports better visual comfort.

Regular Eye Exams

Annual comprehensive eye examinations are crucial to monitor myopia progression, detect any underlying eye conditions, and ensure appropriate management.

How Else Can Children Reduce the Impact of Myopia?

In addition to myopia control techniques, children can take additional measures to reduce the impact of myopia. Here are some helpful strategies:

  • Fatigue and reduced concentration
  • Eye strain and headaches
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Excessive tearing
  • Frequent eye rubbing
  • Red and sore eyes
  • Nausea and motion sickness
  • Consistently sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close
  • Closing one eye to read, watch TV or see better
  • Unusual head turn or body posture when reading or writing

Outdoor Time

Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors has been associated with a reduced risk of myopia development and progression.

Limited Screen Time

In some cases, your eye care professional might recommend prescription eye drops that target inflammation and promote tear production.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple adjustments like increasing humidity in your environment, taking regular breaks during screen time, and staying hydrated can help manage dry eye symptoms.

If you have any concerns about your child’s vision, just contact us to arrange an eye exam.

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Myopia Control

Myopia control provides effective strategies for managing and slowing down the progression of nearsightedness, particularly in children and teenagers.

By implementing myopia control methods and adopting healthy visual habits, individuals can experience the benefits of reduced myopia progression, improved long-term eye health, enhanced visual comfort, and decreased dependence on corrective lenses. Additionally, incorporating outdoor time, limited screen time, frequent breaks, proper lighting, and regular eye examinations can further help children reduce the impact of myopia. If you think that you or your child may have symptoms myopia, call us on 02 9371 0093 or book online to arrange an eye examination.
Book an appointment
9371 0093

Kofsky Optometry provides full-service general eye care. We provide you a 360 degree wrap around service – all inhouse, making your eye care easy, comfortable and yes, even enjoyable for you.

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