Myopia Control
What is Myopia?
Those who are short sighted find it difficult to see distant objects; they come into sharper focus when moving closer. Most forms of myopia are due to the eye growing too long. Because of this, objects are focused in front of, as opposed to directly on, the back surface of the eye.
The Epidemic
Over the past decade we have seen the number of myopes increase exponentially. The Brien Holden Vision Institute has predicted that more than half of the global population will be myopic by the year 2050.
In the more developed eye, myopia is generally slowly progressive. However in young developing children, it can progress very quickly and have a long term effect on the developed eye. In some cases those with myopia may have a higher risk of conditions such as:
- Short-sighted maculopathy
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Retinal tears or detachments
Risk Factors
Certain groups may have a higher risk of myopia. These include:
- Those with one or more short-sighted parents.
- Children who spend more time on near-work.
- Those of East-Asian descent.
- Individuals who spend less time in natural outdoor lighting.
- Children who have a low level of long-sightedness at a young age. This is one very important reason we recommend regular vision exams for all children.
What can we do about myopia?
Myopia Control describes methods we use to slow the increase in short-sight over time. Myopia control is a new and exciting sub-specialty within Optometry.
Optometrists at Hawera Eyecare are specialists in Myopia Control. We remain committed to providing the most innovative and research based treatments for myopia.
We aim to reduce the rate of myopic progression and in doing so reduce the risks of related eye disease. From a cosmetic and a dependency standpoint; those who are highly short sighted are reliant on thick lenses to help them see. By contrast, those with low levels of short-sight require much thinner lenses, and may only need glasses for certain tasks as opposed to full-time.
What treatments are available for Myopia?
At Hawera Eyecare we provide all of the latest treatments for Myopia. While some are used in isolation, often we use many techniques in combination for greater benefit.
- Atropine 0.01% Eye Drops. This method is considered a great approach, with research so far suggesting a great impact with a very low risk of side-effects. The 0.01% concentration is not available at your local pharmacy because it is not mass-produced. Low dose Atropine is prepared for you by a Specialist Compounding Pharmacist, and delivered directly to you via courier.
- MiSight© lenses are a new range of soft contact lenses for myopia control. These provide clear central vision and peripheral defocus to reduce myopic progression. This is a very hygienic regime, because lenses are daily disposable and require no cleaning or storage in solution. For more information on Misight Lenses© see https://coopervision.com.my/contact-lenses/misight.
- Spectacle Lenses of Australian design have been developed for myopia control. Studies suggest these may reduce myopic progression by up to 30% in some groups. For more information see: https://www.essilor.com.my/products/myopilux#bksXzCZYYJMdZgiR.97
- Orthokeratology is a well-established, proven technique for myopia control. These lenses are made from a firm (RGP) material. While you sleep these reshape the cornea of the eye. The cornea remains temporarily re-shaped for 24 hours, giving you clear and comfortable vision the next day with no need for further glasses or contact lenses. Orthokeratology lenses have been used with great success by practitioners for many years.
For more information and to see our fee structure, click below to download our brochure.
For technical information on Atropine and Myopia Control, click below to download the main scientific studies carried out in this area.