FIG 1.
Orthokeratology Lenses
FIG 2.
Dual Focus Soft Lenses
FIG 3.
Atropine Eye Drops
FIG 4.
Spectacle Lenses
FIG 5.
Repeated Low-level Red-light
What is Myopia
Myopia is often known as short-sightedness, a common eye condition where distant objects appear blurry while near objects are clear. You’ve probably noticed it when trying to read a road sign or watch TV. The science behind it? It primarily occurs when the eyeball grows too long in relation to the power of the eye, causing light to focus at a point in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
What Causes Myopia?
While the precise cause of myopia remains unclear, both genetic and environmental factors play crucial roles. Children with parents who have myopia are at a higher risk of developing the condition. But it’s not just genetics. Recent research suggests a strong correlation between myopia development and lifestyle factors such as intensive near work—like reading or using digital devices—and a lack of time spent outdoors.
Myopia Symptoms
Recognising the symptoms of myopia early can help manage the condition more effectively. Typical signs include difficulty reading road signs or blackboards, squinting or closing the eyes to see better, frequent headaches, and feeling fatigued when driving or playing sports.
Diagnosing Myopia
Myopia in Adults
In adults, myopia often presents as difficulty seeing distant objects clearly while close-up vision remains sharp.
Common symptoms include squinting, eye strain, and headaches, particularly after activities that require focusing on distant objects, such as driving or watching a movie.
Adults with myopia may also notice a need to hold reading material closer than usual to see it clearly.
If left uncorrected, myopia can significantly impair daily activities and overall quality of life. Regular eye examinations are essential for early detection and management to slow the progression of myopia.
Book your comprehensive examination today at Vision Camberwell.
FIG 1.
Normal Eye
FIG 2.
Myopic Eye
Myopia in Children
In children, myopia often manifests as difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, while near vision remains unaffected.
Signs of myopia in children include squinting, frequent rubbing of the eyes, sitting very close to the TV or board in class, and complaining of headaches or eye strain. Children might also show a lack of interest in activities that require clear distance vision, such as playing sports.
Early detection through regular eye exams is crucial to manage myopia effectively and prevent it from worsening, ensuring proper visual development and academic performance.
At Vision Camberwell we offer a comprehensive eye examination, including a refraction assessment, measurement of the length of the eye and eye health examination to slow myopia progression in children.
Why Do We Need to Control Myopia?
Myopia is not a stagnant condition. Especially in children, myopia often progresses over time, requiring frequent updates to glasses or contact lens prescriptions.
It’s more than an inconvenience though, myopia increases the chance of severe eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, myopic maculopathy, and retinal detachment. These risks escalate as the level of myopia increases, and controlling myopia is essential for reducing the risk of developing sight-threatening conditions and potential blindness. The sooner we can detect and manage myopia, the better the long-term eye health outcome.
Myopia Treatment Options
While there’s no outright cure for myopia, there are multiple myopia management and myopia control treatments available to manage this condition and slow its progression.
Glasses For Myopia
Our optometrists at Vision Camberwell may prescribe specially designed glasses with lenses for short sightedness, which are fitted with myopia correction lenses and are developed to manage the progression of the condition in both adults and children. Our myopia control spectacle lenses work by altering the way light focuses in the peripheral retina, thereby reducing the stimulus for eyeball growth.
Contact us to see how our optometrists can help you with your myopia management lenses in glasses.
Contact Lenses for Myopia
Contact lenses have become a popular and convenient tool in managing myopia. Myopia contacts offer an alternative to traditional glasses, which may be heavy, bulky or uncomfortable for the wearer.
Additionally, the non-invasive nature of contact lenses makes them a preferable option for many individuals seeking to manage their myopia effectively.
Ortho K Myopia Control Lenses
Specialised contact lenses, such as orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses and multifocal lenses, are designed to reshape the cornea or alter the way light focuses on the retina, respectively.
Ortho-k lenses are worn overnight, temporarily reshaping the cornea to reduce myopia during the day, while multifocal lenses are worn during the day and help focus light in a way that reduces the eye’s tendency to elongate, a key factor in myopia progression.
By consistently wearing these lenses, patients can experience significant benefits, including improved vision clarity and a reduced risk of developing severe myopia-related complications later in life.
Prevention of Myopia Onset
Early intervention is key when it comes to myopia prevention. Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors and reducing intensive near work can help delay the onset of myopia. Regular eye examinations are also crucial in detecting myopia in its initial stages.
Myopia FAQs
What are myopia control lenses?
Myopia lenses consist of various specialised options tailored to correct or manage nearsightedness. These might be glasses with myopia reduction lenses or myopia treatment lenses that are single-vision lenses, which address distance vision, or multifocal lenses that target both near and far vision.
How much do myopia glasses cost?
Myopia glasses prices vary depending on the severity of the condition. To get a best estimate of price, visit us at Vision Camberwell and speak to one of our optometrists.
Can myopia be cured?
While there’s currently no cure for myopia, various treatment options are available to help manage the condition and slow its progression.
How effective are contact lenses in controlling myopia?
Contact lenses can be highly effective in controlling myopia, particularly in children and adolescents. Studies have shown that these lenses can significantly reduce the rate at which myopia progresses, helping to maintain better vision and reduce the risk of developing severe myopia-related complications later in life. Regular use, combined with professional monitoring, enhances their effectiveness in managing myopia.
Is there a difference between myopia and hyperopia?
Myopia (nearsightedness) causes distant objects to appear blurry due to light focusing in front of the retina, often from an elongated eyeball or curved cornea.
Hyperopia (farsightedness) makes close objects blurry as light focuses behind the retina, typically from a shorter eyeball or flatter cornea. Both conditions can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
Are there myopia prevention glasses available?
While there are no glasses specifically designed to prevent myopia, certain types of glasses and lenses may help manage further myopia progression in children and adolescents.
Regular eye tests & visits to your optometrist is key to detecting and managing myopia early.
What are the Next Steps?
It’s time to take the next steps towards improving your vision.
Here’s what you can do:
- Schedule a Consultation: Contact Vision Camberwell to schedule a consultation with our industry leaders in myopia control. We will thoroughly evaluate your condition, discuss your concerns, and recommend appropriate intervention options.
- Ask Questions: During your consultation, feel free to ask any questions you may have. Our optometrists are here to address your concerns and provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your eye health.
- Follow the Treatment Plan: After your consultation, our optometrists will develop a personalised plan tailored to your specific needs. It is essential to follow the recommended management plan diligently. This may include wearing custom designed contact lenses, attending regular follow-up appointments, and adopting certain lifestyle adjustments.
- Attend Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring your progress and making any necessary adjustments to your optometry plan. These appointments allow our optometrists to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and address any concerns or questions you may have.
- Maintain Good Eye Health Practices: Alongside the prescribed treatment, it is important to maintain good overall eye health. Protect your eyes from excessive UV exposure by wearing sunglasses and using protective eyewear when necessary. Follow proper eye hygiene practices, such as avoiding rubbing your eyes and keeping them clean. Additionally, maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated.
- Contact Vision Camberwell for Support: If you have any questions, concerns, or experience changes in your symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to Vision Camberwell. Our optometrists are dedicated to providing ongoing support and guidance throughout your myopia journey.
