Myopia

What is myopia?

Myopia, or shortsightedness as it is commonly known, is an eye condition where you are unable to see clearly in the distance. It is a very common eye condition that usually begins in school-age children and can continue to progress until the eye stops growing. Adults can also develop myopia and it is estimated that by the year 2050, approximately 50% of the world’s population will be shortsighted. People who are highly myopic are at greater risk of conditions such as cataracts, retinal detachment and macular degeneration.

What causes myopia?

If the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) is too curved or your eye is too long, the light that enters your eye will not be focused correctly. Studies of myopia indicate that myopia is often hereditary, but other factors such as staying indoors, eyestrain and excessive amounts of close work, may be linked to the development of myopia.

How can I tell if I am shortsighted?

Shortsighted people will see distant objects as a blur. This will be particularly noticeable when in a classroom, watching TV or driving.

Can myopia be cured?

There is no cure for myopia but properly prescribed spectacles or contact lenses will help you see more clearly. At Focus Optometrists we can also discuss methods that have been shown to slow the progression of myopia with options such as spectacles, contact lenses, eye drops and lifestyle modifications.

Eyestrain or anti-fatigue lenses.

These lenses have been shown to reduce the progression of myopia by around 50% by reducing stress and fatigue with prolonged near work. A blue-control coating is also commonly applied to these lenses to help further reduce eyestrain when using devices such as laptops, iPads and smart phones.

MiSight contact lenses by Coopervision.

The use of specially designed soft contact lenses can reduce the rate of myopia by up to 59% and can be used full-time, including at school and with all sports and activities.

MyoVision spectacle lenses.

The Zeiss MyoVision spectacle lens has been shown to reduce growth of the eyeball and therefore the rate of progression of myopia by up to 30%.

Atropine eye drops.

Low-dose Atropine drops are used to reduce myopia progression by up to 60%. The drop is instilled each night before bed and is used in conjunction with other methods such as spectacles or contact lenses.

Lifestyle modifications.

Studies suggest that spending at least 2 hours per day can be beneficial for children in maintaining excellent distance vision. Swapping the iPad or TV for more outdoor play can have a positive impact on reducing myopia.

Atropine eye drops.

Low-dose Atropine drops are used to reduce myopia progression by up to 60%. The drop is instilled each night before bed and is used in conjunction with other methods such as spectacles or contact lenses.

Lifestyle modifications.

Studies suggest that spending at least 2 hours per day can be beneficial for children in maintaining excellent distance vision. Swapping the iPad or TV for more outdoor play can have a positive impact on reducing myopia.

Talk to us about myopia and myopia control

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Focus Optometrists

699 Sherwood Road
Sherwood QLD 4075
Tel: 07 3278 1377

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