Myopia Control

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, occurs when the eye is too long, or the cornea (the front of the eye) is too curved. Light focuses ahead of the retina (the light-sensitive area on the back of the eye) instead of on it, causing blurry distance vision. The rate of myopia in children has spiked over recent decades and is now considered an epidemic, estimated to affect 50% of the world population by 2050. Without effective measures, increased myopia may lead to vision problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment and even blindness later in life.

 

What is Myopia Control?

Thanks to recent and growing research, various treatments are available to slow myopia progression in children, collectively referred to as myopia control by eyecare professionals. Patients may combine different methods for more personal and effective treatment, but the type of treatment will also depend on your particular lifestyle.

 

Atropine Eye Drops

Recent studies found that a low dose of atropine (0.01 to 0.05%) can help slow myopia by 50-87%. Side effects may include blurred near vision and light sensitivity, but the dosage can be altered based on symptoms. Children using atropine often still need glasses to help correct their current level of myopia. This combination is usually recommended for kids who are too young or unable to wear contact lenses.

 

Multifocal Spectacles

Custom spectacle lenses are often the most convenient and comfortable for young children. The centre of the lens corrects myopia and enables clear vision, while the periphery of the lens controls myopia progression. Studies have shown this method can slow myopia growth by 30-60%. Children with contact lenses should also still have a backup pair of glasses in case of an infection.

 

Soft Multifocal Lenses

Also referred to as peripheral defocus lenses, this method works in a similar way to multifocal spectacles and has been found to slow myopia development by 46-87%. The centre of the lens corrects blurry distance vision, while the outer edges of the lens blur your peripheral vision, a technique believed to slow down the rate of myopia. This is a good alternative for kids who don’t like wearing glasses.

 

Ortho-K (Orthokeratology)

Mainly used for low to moderate myopia, these custom-designed contact lenses are applied at bedtime to reshape the cornea overnight. Since they eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day, it’s an excellent option for kids with an active lifestyle. This treatment requires more follow-up visits with your doctor, and as always, with any type of contact lens, proper wear and care are essential to avoid the risk of infection.

 

What Can I Do Now?

Myopia is most likely due to both genetic and environmental factors. Children whose parents have myopia are more likely to have it themselves, but lifestyle could also play a key role in its progression. One crucial way to slow myopia in children is to encourage outdoor play. Studies show that for every extra hour spent outside per week, the odds of myopia were reduced by 14.3%. By spending more time outdoors and adopting the early preventative measures listed here, we can give our children their best chance to fight the risks related to adulthood myopia. Start by scheduling an exam with your child’s eye doctor, who can help determine if your child needs myopia control and which treatment option would be best.