SEE MYOPIA FOR WHAT IT IS
What is myopia?
Myopia, often called nearsightedness, is commonly understood as the inability to see far away objects clearly without glasses or contact lenses. It is, in fact, much more than that1.Myopia is a chronic, progressive disease where continued eye growth not only worsens distance vision, it also increases future risk of sight-threatening complications1-4.
WHAT CAUSES MYOPIA?
The exact causes of the increase in myopia amongst recent generations have been unproven, There are a number of risk factors associated with the onset and progression of myopia, including:
- Age of the patient when myopia began to develop2
- Minimal time outdoors (< 2 hrs/day)5
- Near work for longer duration or at a shorter working distance6,7
- Myopic parent(s)8
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WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?
Myopia is a growing global epidemic17
Did you know that the population with myopia has nearly doubled over the past 20 years? And that by 2050 nearly half of the world’s population will be myopic9.
The prevalence among young adults is reported to be above 80% in many Asian regions10, and 50% in the U.S. and parts of Europe11,12. And those rates continue to rise.
The prevalence among young adults is reported to be above 80% in many Asian regions10, and 50% in the U.S. and parts of Europe11,12. And those rates continue to rise.
Myopia can increase the risk of sight-threatening complications14
By 2050, nearly 1 billion people are expected to have high myopia (a prescription of -5D or higher)9.
Risk of visual impairment from myopia, especially high myopia, stems from having a longer eye length and increased likelihood of developing myopic macular degeneration13,14.(image shown is a simulation of visual impairment resulting from macular degeneration)
Risk of visual impairment from myopia, especially high myopia, stems from having a longer eye length and increased likelihood of developing myopic macular degeneration13,14.(image shown is a simulation of visual impairment resulting from macular degeneration)
All children should be monitored
There is no safe level of myopia1. Research indicates that the earlier a child becomes myopic, the higher the risk of myopia progression2,15 and developing high myopia16
REFERENCES
HOW CAN I MANAGE MYOPIA?
Measuring and monitoring eye health, even from an early age, is highly recommended.3 To have the biggest impact on managing myopia, it is important to act early. A regular annual comprehensive eye exam is highly recommended.If you or your child is diagnosed with myopia, there are several common solutions you can consider. In children, it’s common to focus on solutions that are a fit for his/her lifestyle. It’s important to discuss myopia and available solutions with your eye care professional, to determine the right treatment*.
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REFERENCES