Myopia, also known as near or short-sightedness, is one of the most common ocular disorders worldwide, in which the eye’s shape causes light to focus in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry.
Studies have predicted that the global prevalence of myopia will rise from 28% of the world’s population, or two billion people in 2010, to 50% of the world’s population, or five billion people in 2050.
Myopia control refers to various treatments aimed at slowing down the progression of myopia in children.
Peripheral defocus is a concept used in myopia control strategies to try to manipulate the peripheral optics of the eye with the aim of slowing down the progression of myopia. In myopia, the eye’s growth and elongation contribute to the development of short-sightedness. This peripheral defocus is believed to influence the signalling mechanisms that regulate eye growth, potentially resulting in a reduction of the excessive elongation of the eyeball and subsequent myopia progression.
There are several methods of myopia control including:
- MiSight contact lenses are a specialised type of soft contact lenses designed for myopia control in children. By providing clear central vision while simultaneously introducing myopic defocus in the periphery, MiSight lenses aim to slow down the progression of myopia. These daily disposable contact lenses are comfortable to wear and offer the convenience of a single-use lens.
- Orthokeratology (ortho-k): This involves the use of specially designed hard gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight and are removed upon waking. The lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, temporarily correcting the myopia and providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses. The treatment is reversible as the lenses need to be worn nightly to maintain the correction.
- MiyoSmart spectacle lenses are an innovative spectacle lens, made specifically for myopia control. With a dual-focus optical design, these lenses combine central distance correction with a myopic defocus in the peripheral zones. These lenses provide clear vision for both near and distance tasks while simultaneously helping to control the elongation of the eyeball associated with myopia progression.
- Atropine eye drops: Atropine is a medication that dilates the pupil and temporarily relaxes the muscles that control the eye’s focus. When used in low doses, it has been shown to help slow down the progression of myopia.
- Behavioural modifications: Certain habits, such as spending more time outdoors, visual breaks and reducing screen time, have been associated with a reduced risk of myopia development and progression in children.
It’s important to note that while all these methods have shown to be helpful in slowing down myopia progression, they may not be effective for everyone. We can offer all of the above forms of myopia control and if you have any concerns about your eyes, please call the practice on 6332 5222