The Science Behind Myopia and Its Increasing Prevalence
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. This happens because of the elongation of the eyeball or the curvature of the cornea, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The prevalence of myopia has been increasing at an alarming rate globally, with more children developing the condition earlier in life. But why is this happening?
Understanding Myopia and The Long-Term Risks
Myopia has several causes with genetics playing a significant role—children with one or both parents who are myopic have a higher risk of developing myopia themselves. However, lifestyle changes are also a significant factor.
Research shows that increased time spent indoors on activities like reading, using digital devices, and reduced exposure to natural sunlight are thought to exacerbate the condition. As we see our daily lives become more screen-centric, especially among children, the strain on young eyes is greater than ever before, contributing to the rising prevalence of myopia.
Untreated myopia is more than just an inconvenience; it can lead to serious long-term eye health risks. Here is some potential eye conditions associated with progressive or high myopia:
- Retinal Detachment: As the eyeball elongates in myopic individuals, the retina is stretched, increasing the risk of tears or detachment. Retinal detachment is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
- Glaucoma: Myopic eyes are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma- glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of sight" because it progresses slowly and can lead to blindness without early detection and management. We offer glaucoma testing and treatment options too should your myopia progress.
- Cataracts: People with high myopia are more likely to develop cataracts at an earlier age. Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to decreased vision that, if left untreated, can progress to blindness.
- Myopic Maculopathy: This condition involves changes to the macula, the central part of the retina, which can lead to significant vision impairment. It is more common in individuals with severe myopia and progresses with age, potentially leading to irreversible vision loss.
Should you or your child feel that the myopia has worsened, we offer a range of treatments to help ease and treat the discomfort associated with the above eye conditions and diseases.
Myopia Management Techniques at Oakbrook Optical
At Oakbrook Optical Eyecare, we offer several advanced myopia management techniques to help slow the progression of myopia in children and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Here are some of the methods we provide:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K uses specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. More importantly, Ortho-K has been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children, making it an effective management tool for young patients.
- Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops are another proven method for slowing myopia progression in children. Atropine is a medication that, in low doses, can help to reduce the eye’s growth rate, thereby slowing the progression of myopia. At Oakbrook Optical Eyecare, we carefully monitor the use of atropine to ensure it is effective and safe for each child.
- Prescription Glasses and Contact Lenses: While traditional glasses and contact lenses correct vision, they do not address the progression of myopia. However, we provide specialized lenses, such as bifocal or multifocal glasses and contact lenses, which can help to slow myopia progression by altering the focus in the peripheral vision.
- Lifestyle Recommendations: In addition to these treatments, our experts at Oakbrook Optical Eyecare provide guidance on lifestyle changes that can help manage myopia. This includes encouraging outdoor activities to increase exposure to natural light and advising on proper reading habits and screen time limits to reduce eye strain.
Managing Myopia with Ease and Expert Care
Myopia is becoming increasingly common among children, but with the right management techniques, its progression can be slowed, and long-term risks minimized. At Oakbrook Optical Eyecare, we provide comprehensive myopia management to protect your child’s vision. Don’t wait until the condition worsens—take proactive steps now. Contact Oakbrook Optical Eyecare at 630-581-2151 to schedule a consultation here and learn more about how we can help safeguard your child’s eye health.