Myopia Control

Myopia control refers to strategies and treatments aimed at slowing down or halting the progression of myopia, commonly known as near-sightedness. Myopia is a condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close-up objects are clear. The reason objects are blurry in the distance with near-sightedness is because the eye grows longer than it should as the child grows. The eye keeps growing in order to focus the blurry image it perceives.

Managing myopia is important because it’s becoming increasingly common, especially among children and young adults, and severe myopia can lead to various eye health issues in the long term.

The reason for myopia escalation has been linked to two factors:

• Genetics – kids with one or two parents with myopia are more likely to develop myopia.
• Lifestyle – Spending more time doing near activities like reading or digital devices in combination with less time spent outdoors increases the likelihood of developing myopia.

Here’s why managing myopia is crucial:

Preventing worsening vision: Without intervention, myopia tends to worsen over time, meaning you might need stronger glasses or contact lenses to see clearly. Myopia control measures can help slow down this progression, potentially reducing the need for stronger prescriptions.

Reducing the risk of eye diseases: High myopia is associated with an increased risk of eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. By managing myopia effectively, you can lower the chances of developing these serious eye problems later in life.

Improving quality of life: Myopia can impact daily activities such as reading, driving, and playing sports. Managing myopia can help maintain better vision and make these tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Fortunately, we can manage myopia through various means, such as wearing special corrective lenses or using specially designed contact lenses recommended by an optometrist.