Myopia control
Why is it concerning to be near-sighted/ myopic?
This is because high myopia or degenerative myopia can lead to sight-threatening complications.
This includes:
-retinal detachment/thinning
-glaucoma
-vitreal degeneration
-other retinal changes may occur secondary to the progressive axial elongation of the eye with myopic shifts
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Why does the axial length matter?
As children grow, the eyeballs will grow as well. But the physiological axial length (measured from the front to the back surface of the eyes) changes associated with the progression of myopia. This leads to the sight-threatening complications. Consequently, any intervention to slow myopia progression must also reduce the rate of axial elongation of the eye. Halting myopic progression improves the chances for the patient to have healthy eyes in the future.
How to monitor rate of myopic progression in children?
It is advised that children have eye examinations on a regular basis. Start with bringing children for annual exams at a young age and monitor for near-sighted/myopic shifts. The chances of a child developing myopia is more likely if it runs in the family (genetics) and may start at the time when they are just learning to read/write (school-aged). Sometimes myopia has a later onset as well, but it is just as important to see the eye doctor regularly. Schedule a consultation for your child. Book a baseline axial length measurement.
What are the forms of myopia control?
With the development or rapid progression of myopia, it may be suggested to start with one of the following methods of myopic control
-behavioural interventions (increase time outdoors, near-work/ screen-time limitations)
-low dose atropine therapy
-spectacle therapy
-soft contact lens treatment
-orthokeratology
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**Myopia management is rapidly advancing with new evidence and strategies emerging due to the trending myopia prevalence** Myopic control services available at our MARKHAM CLINIC
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