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Myopia Control and Prevention

Strategies for Healthy Vision

Controlling the progression of myopia, especially in children, is gaining increasing attention due to its rising prevalence. High myopia is associated with an increased risk of developing serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy, which can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

When was your child’s last vision examination? 

Some strategies to limit its progression

Schedule annual eye exams for children. Early detection of myopia allows for prompt intervention and management. These exams help monitor vision changes, as children may not always notice a decrease in their visual acuity.

If myopia is already present, wearing glasses or contact lenses not only corrects vision but also helps slow its progression. Additionally, specialized lenses designed specifically for myopia control aim to further slow progression in children and adolescents. These lenses, such as MiyoSmart, utilize myopic defocus technology, which focuses light in front of the retina in the peripheral visual field. This approach helps limit the elongation of the eye, a key factor in the development of myopia. MiyoSmart lenses offer a non-invasive and effective option for managing myopia in children, thereby reducing the risk of severe myopia and associated ocular complications.

Soft contact lenses designed to slow the progression of myopia, such as Abiliti™ and MiSight® lenses, are specifically developed for managing myopia in children.

While these approaches can help slow the progression of myopia, it is essential to consult an optometrist for recommendations tailored to your child’s needs and circumstances.

 

Other Strategies

 

Lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in the progression of myopia. These strategies aim to create a healthier visual environment while reducing risk factors associated with the development of myopia.

 

It is advisable to aim for a minimum of 2 hours per day outdoors. Exposure to natural light, especially sunlight, appears to have a protective role.

During prolonged periods of near work, it is recommended to encourage regular breaks and alternate between near and distance tasks. The goal is to limit recreational screen time to less than two hours per day.

Ensuring sufficient lighting during near tasks is essential to reduce eye strain and fatigue.

Ergonomics: Maintain an appropriate distance during reading and screen use to reduce visual fatigue and prevent eye strain.

For preschool-aged children, favor paper books. Overexposure to electronic devices before bedtime can decrease melatonin production, making sleep more difficult. It is advisable to turn off screens at least one hour before sleeping.