MYOPIA PROGRESSION

What is myopia and the status of myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error caused by an elongation of the eyeball axis or an abnormal curvature of the cornea resulting in an image of objects formed in front of the retina. People who have myopia will see blurred vision in the distance than near, if high myopia can see blurred both far and near.

Myopia is the most common eye abnormality. In Vietnam, the rate of myopia in students is estimated at 30-40%.

It is estimated that by 2050, the rate of myopia in the world will be nearly 50%, this is an alarming number and a great economic burden for society.

Risk factors for myopia progression

–        Heredity: The risk of developing myopia is higher in children of myopic parents.

–        Time of early onset of myopia.

–        Work at near distance.

 Why myopia progression is a concern?

 Myopia progression associated with an elongated eyeball increases the risk of serious vision-threatening complications such as:

 –        Glaucoma

 –        Cataracts

 –        Degeneration, retinal detachment

 –        Macular Hole

 –        Choroidal neovascularization

 Different approaches to control myopia progression

 –        Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) contact lenses: change the corneal curvature during sleep (return to normal when not using contact lenses), is a safe, highly effective method in limiting the progression of myopia, patient do not need to wear glasses. However, the cleaning and maintenance requirements are more complicated.

–        Multifocal soft contact lenses: as effective as Ortho-K.

–        Low dose Atropin: More experimental studies are needed, as side effects include photosensitivity and glare up close.

–        Bifocal/multifocal glasses.

–        Increase outdoor activities.

 Take your child to the eye doctor right away when there are risk factors or suspicious symptoms such as squint, come closer to see, need to change glasses due to increasing myopia in a short time. Come to Minh Anh Eye Clinic for advice on methods of management progressive myopia control.