Myopia Myths: Debunked

Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is a visual condition that numerous people around the world struggle with. In fact, it’s estimated that roughly 50% of the world’s population will have myopia by 2050. Myopia is defined as a condition that impacts how clearly a person can see things that are further away. This occurs due to light rays incorrectly refracting in the eye, focusing images in front of your retina. Myopia can cause headaches and eye strain which can seriously impact the overall quality of a person’s life. Due to the common nature of this condition, many myopia myths that have emerged about it over the years.

 

Let’s take a look at three of the most popular myopia myths:

 

Myopia Myth #1 – Myopia Can Only Affect Children

While myopia is often diagnosed during childhood, it is not a condition that only affects children. Adults can develop myopia as well; however many adults with the condition likely were diagnosed with it as a child.

Those who develop myopia as a child may find that the condition worsens as they get older. Many factors, both hereditary and environmental, influence whether or not someone can develop the condition, including having parents with myopia. This is one of the reasons why it’s critical that you bring your child to an eye care professional who can provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan for myopia management if it’s determined that your child does have this condition.

 

 

 

 

Myopia Myth #2 – Myopia Development Cannot Be Slowed Down

There is a common misconception that once a person has myopia there is nothing that they can do to slow down the progress of it. However, there are several steps that a person can take, if myopia is diagnosed during childhood, to slow down myopia progression. Some examples include:

• Take frequent breaks from electronic devices
  A great recommendation is to practice the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, you should put down your near work and focus on something that is at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This small change in your vision can help to reduce the stress being placed on your eyes through continuous work or digital screen time.

• Spend time outside
  Not only is spending more time outside healthy for you but it may help to slow down the progression of myopia particularly for children who may spend the majority of their day on a tablet or a computer during the time that they are in school.

 

If diagnosed early enough, your eye doctor can help you put together a comprehensive myopia management plan.

• Ortho-K lenses: Also known as Orthokeratology, Ortho-K lenses a uniquely designed to fit the shape of the eye. These lenses reshape the cornea during sleep which allows for daytime correction. This treatment options gives a child freedom from having to wear glasses or contacts during school or sports. These have been shown in several studies to slow down the growth of the eye and therefore the progression of myopia.
• Distance Center Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: One of the most popular options for soft contact lenses is the Coopervision MiSight one-day lenses. These contact lenses have been proven to slow the progression of myopia in children while making everyday school or extracurricular activities more enjoyable since they are not struggling to see.
• Low-dose atropine drops: This form of treatment relaxes the muscles responsible for focusing up close. These drops have been shown in several studies to slow down the progression of myopia

 

Book Your Appointment to Learn More About Myopia Myths
Myopia is an inconvenient condition that can make life harder for many people. The eye doctors at the Weston Contact Lens Institute are well-versed in the latest treatment options available for myopia for patients of all ages. Don’t live another day with the frustrations or limitations that come with having myopia. Get in touch with us today and book your appointment.

 

Testimonial from Jeremy, Satisfied Myopia Patient 
Super friendly staff. Very helpful and pleasant to work with. High end equipment and very knowledgeable. The Dr. was fantastic and very personable. Great experience as a new patient.