Why should myopia be controlled?
In general, once the eye becomes myopic the myopia will increase over time. Higher amounts of myopia are associated with increased risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma, retinal detachment and cataract later in life.
What causes myopia to progress?
A combination of genetics and environment can influence the likelihood that myopia will progress. Having one, or both, parents who are myopic can increase the risk of myopia progression by three to six times. Other factors such as how well the eyes work together and already being myopic also increase the risk of myopia increasing.
What can reduce the chance of myopia progression?
- Increasing the amount of time spent outside reduces the risk of myopia progressing
- 20/20/20 rule. While doing near tasks take a 20 second break every 20 minutes and look 20 metres in the distance.
- Elbow rule. Try and keep near tasks at least the distance of your forearm away
- Two hour rule. Try and keep Screen time after school to less than 2 hours
What is myopia control?
Adjusting the way corrective lenses (spectacles or contact lenses) focus light on the periphery of the eye has been shown to reduce the amount that myopia will increase. There are now several options available to treat myopia and try to reduce the amount that it increases.
Contact lens correction using specially designed, soft contact lenses or Orthokeratology contact lenses (rigid lenses worn overnight) For more information visit Coopervision or Eye Dream Lenses
Specially designed spectacle lenses from Rodenstock
If you would like to know more about myopia control please contact us on 01435 868 181 to book an appointment and discuss it with an optometrist.