Myopia
Myopia
Evidence is mounting that myopia is growing around the world, with a recent study estimating that on average, 30% of the world is currently myopic and by 2050, almost 50% will be myopic, that’s a staggering 5 billion people.[1]
​
With every 1 Diopter increase in the prescription the prevalence of Glaucoma, retinal detachment and myopic maculopathy increases exponentially. Myopic maculopathy (MM), also known as myopic macular degeneration, is the most serious, irreversible, vision-threatening complication and the leading cause of bilateral visual impairment and blindness.
According to studies, Every 1D increase in myopia increases risk of myopic maculopathy by 67%.[1]
And with every 1D reduction in myopia, the risk of myopic maculopathy reduces by 40%.[1]
We, as optometrists, must change our mindset and our approach when seeing these children as prevention is better than cure.
No longer can we simply prescribe stronger spectacles, but we need to do everything in our ability as optometrists to use our skills to protect our children’s vision and at the bare minimum slow down the progression.
​
References
​
[1] Bullimore MA, Brennan NA. Myopia Control: Why Each Diopter Matters. Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry. 2019;96(6):463-5.
​
DIMS MiyoSmart spectacle Lenses for Myopia control
MiSight Contact lenses for Myopia Control
Contact our practice to make an appointment, so we can assess your child’s vision.