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What is Myopia?
Myopia is characterized by blurry vision in the distance and generally clear near vision. This is because the image is not in focus on the retina, as a myopic eye is often too long. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, not on it, creating blurred distance vision.
Onset of Myopia - Risk Factors
- Heredity/Genetics (Having one or two myopic parents increases the risk)
- Age of onset of myopia (the younger you are when you become myopic, the more severe your myopia can become)
- Insufficient outdoor activity (<2 hours per day)
- Time spent on a computer, phone, tablet, or reading without a break
- Poor ergonomics (lighting, working distance)
- Undercorrection of myopia or not having glasses with an up-to-date prescription
- Not wearing glasses as recommended
Evolution of Myopia
It's important to understand that no myopia control method can completely stop its progression. The methods used are therefore aimed at slowing the rapid or excessive progression of myopia. For optimal control, children must modify their lifestyle habits! Spend more time outside, less time at near and take breaks every 30 minutes during near distance activities!
Once established, the average progression of myopia is approximately 0.50D per year during childhood and adolescence, since the progression of myopia is linked to growth. The progression naturally varies from one year to the next.
Why is it important to stabilize myopia?
- Limit or prevent the development of myopia-related eye diseases throughout your child's life (e.g., retinal detachment or tear, glaucoma, early cataracts, etc.)
- Reduce dependence on glasses, as higher myopia implies greater reliance on optical correction
- Allow more vision correction options in adulthood (refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK), contact lenses, thinner eyeglass lenses)
Myopia Control methods in Children
Before the onset of myopia
Play outside! (2 hours or more)
Take frequent breaks when working at near (one break every 30 minutes)
After the onset of myopia
1. Glasses with a specialized ophthalmic lens design for myopia control
(Optical design differs from standard corrective lenses)
Wear 12 hours or more per day, 7 days a week
2. Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses
(Specialized optical design using a soft and comfortable contact lens material)
These lenses must be worn at least 6 days a week, for at least 10 hours a day
Lens hygiene is an important factor in preventing infections and ensuring proper replacement frequency
Anyone should have a pair of glasses with an up-to-date prescription to back them up in case they stop wearing contact lenses for any reason
3. Ophtalmic Medication - Atropine
(Drops custom-prepared by the pharmacist)
This treatment is normally used for a minimum of two years. Depending on the prescribed concentration, some side effects may be observed, such as sensitivity to light, pupil dilation, or difficulty seeing up close. The vast majority of children are not affected by these effects. If they are, a concentration adjustment may be necessary. Contact your eye doctor.
This method is often used in combination with another optical option for myopia control, as it does not correct blurred distance vision.
4. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
(Rigid contact lenses worn overnight to "mold" the cornea, the front part of the eye)
*This treatment is currently NOT available at Clinique visuelle Francine Jarry. An evaluation at a specialized clinic is required.
Duration of Treatment
In general, the natural progression of myopia ends with the end of growth, around the ages of 18-20. It can continue to progress later depending on college and university studies, where the eyes are put under a lot of strain.
Control methods must be maintained for as long as myopia can progess, i.e., at least until the age of 18, or even later, depending on the patient.
The optometrist can adapt the control methods based on the results obtained, the patient's age and their visual needs (e.g., a method prescribed at age 9 will not necessarily be maintained unchanged until age 20).