What is Myopia?
Did you know
Around 1/3 of the people in the UK are myopic!
Myopia means short-sightedness. People who are myopic will be able to see things close up quite clearly, but will have problems with tasks that require distance vision such as driving or watching TV. Myopia prevalence in children in the UK has doubled in the last 50 years, although Myopia is a global problem and the risks of sight threatening pathology are well documented.
By 2050 it is estimated that half of the world’s population will be myopic, and 1 billion people will be suffering from sight threatening pathology associated with this Myopia. Evidence now exists to show that Myopia Management can slow the progression of Myopia. There is also evidence that encouraging children to spend more time outdoors can reduce the onset of Myopia.
Myopia Management:
Trying to slow down the progression of Myopia is known as ‘Myopia management’. A number of treatments have been developed for this and may reduce the progression of Myopia by up to 60% after 1to 2 years. It will take many years before we fully understand how successful Myopia management can be. Much of the latest research is based on children from east-Asian ethnic backgrounds, and we need further research to be completed to better understand how Myopia management will affect children with European ethnic backgrounds. We also don’t currently have any evidence regarding the long-term results of Myopia management.
We can supply specialist spectacle lenses to try to reduce the progression of Myopia. These lenses have been shown to reduce progression in children by up to 60% over a two-year period. For further information on Myopia management please book a Myopia management appointment at one of our Optical Centre practices.
