Understanding and Managing Myopia: A Growing Vision Concern

Understanding and Managing Myopia: A Growing Vision Concern
Myopia—commonly known as nearsightedness—is more than just a need for glasses to see distant objects clearly. It’s a growing global health concern that goes beyond blurry vision. While myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions, it can be effectively managed with today’s advanced treatments.

From prescription glasses and contact lenses to specialized therapies and surgery, there are many options for managing myopia and preserving long-term eye health. Early action, especially in children, is crucial. Regular eye exams with your optometrist are key to detecting changes and creating a proactive treatment plan.

What Is Myopia?
Myopia affects roughly 30% of the global population, making it one of the most common vision issues. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea curves too steeply, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision.

Genetics and environment both contribute to myopia. Children with one or both parents affected are more likely to develop it. However, excessive screen time, long periods spent on near tasks, and limited outdoor activity are also significant factors.

Typically developing in childhood or adolescence, myopia often stabilizes in early adulthood. Its severity can range from mild inconvenience to serious vision impairment. The earlier it’s identified and addressed, the better the long-term outcome.

Degrees of Myopia
 

• Mild Myopia: May not require correction for all tasks.

• Moderate to High Myopia: Blurred vision at a distance that typically requires glasses or contact lenses.

Causes and Contributing Factors
 

• Visual stress: Long periods of close-up tasks like reading or screen time can strain the eyes.

• Genetics: A strong family history of myopia increases risk.

• Health conditions: Issues like uncontrolled diabetes can affect vision temporarily.

• Screen time: Children with more than 7 hours of screen exposure per week are at higher risk.

Myopia Management Options at Inspire Vision Care in Brampton _
While myopia isn’t curable, it can be controlled. Early intervention, ideally before age 12, is most effective, but treatments are also beneficial in teens.

1. Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
These drops (typically 0.05%) relax the eye’s focusing muscles to reduce strain and slow progression. Research shows they can cut the rate of myopia progression by about 50%.

2. Peripheral Defocus Contact Lenses
These lenses help guide peripheral light in a way that discourages eye growth. MiSight daily disposables have been shown to reduce progression by up to 59%.

3. Peripheral Defocus Eyeglasses
Specialized lenses like Stellest focus light in different zones to reduce eye strain and control growth. Clinical studies show a 67% reduction in myopia progression.

4. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
These custom contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. By morning, users enjoy clear vision throughout the day without glasses or contacts.

Standard corrective lenses remain the most accessible way to address blurry vision. But for those seeking longer-term control, these specialized treatments offer promising results.

Protect Your Vision Today
If you or your child are struggling with distance vision, the first step is to bring them in for an eye exam!. A comprehensive eye exam can confirm whether myopia is present and identify the best management options.

Though not reversible, myopia is highly manageable. Through expert care, regular monitoring, and personalized treatments, you can take control of your eye health.

Contact our Inspire Vision Care Team to learn more about our myopia control and management options and schedule your next eye exam today.