Myopia
What is Myopia?
Why Treat Myopia?
It’s about protecting eye health. Myopic eyes focus light in front of the retina usually because the eye has grown longer than normal. This abnormal growth of the eye stretches the retina which can lead to increased eye disease risk throughout one’s life. Myopia increases the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment and macula degeneration. On top of health benefits, reducing the final level of myopia will also make lenses thinner and generally cheaper in to the future.
Treating Myopia Progression
Lifestyle advice
It is recommended that children spend at least 90 minutes per day outside. The 20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a break from near work for 20 seconds. Elbow rule: Keep forearm distance between eyes and book. Two hour rule: Less than two hours screen time after school.
Low-dose Atropine eye drops
Atropine eye drops are used in optometry/ophthalmology to dilate the pupil and relax eye focusing. Low dose atropine eye drops (20-100 times weaker) have been shown to significantly reduce myopia progression in children, usually with little or no side effects.
Contact lenses
Kids can wear contacts! Studies have shown that children as young as eight can wear contact lenses with no increased risk profile over teenagers. Special multifocal contact lenses are very effective at slowing myopia. These lenses focus central light on the retina so that the child can see clearly but focus peripheral rays of light in front of the peripheral retina. This is important because it’s the peripheral retina that provides feedback to the brain, signalling it to grow longer. Contact lenses have also been shown to improve children’s self confidence in school and sport, and satisfaction in their vision.
Myopia control spectacle lenses
Like their contact lens friends, these special glasses focus peripheral rays of light in front of the retina and have been shown to be very effective at slowing myopia progression.
Myopia Clinic
The first step in treating myopia is identifying it. Christensen Harbison Optometrists recommends that children have their vision and eyes examined before they start school. Regular check-ups should follow every two years or sooner if indicated. If your child is diagnosed with myopia or identified as being at high risk of developing myopia, we will book them in to our dedicated myopia clinic. This will include review for progression at least every six months, discussion of risk factors and lifestyle advice, and treatment plan put in place.
The Christensen Harbison Optometrists practice and optometrists are endorsed to prescribe atropine. They have also completed the required accreditations to prescribe Hoya Miyosmart myopia control spectacle lenses as well as Coopervision MiSight myopia control contact lenses.
Myopia control is an evolving field and Christensen Harbison Optometrists strives to stay at the forefront of best practice. For further information about Myopia visit www.mykidsvision.org or speak with your Optometrist.