Why is myopia management important?
Myopia is a vision problem where one sees nearby objects clearly but those further away look blurry. Also called nearsightedness, myopia is a fairly common condition that currently affects more than 40 percent of the world's population. Cases have gradually risen over the years, as only 25 percent suffered from the condition in the 1970s. This notable increase has spurred eye health advocates to now promote the practice of myopia management, in the hopes of keeping the general situation under control.
Why Is Myopia Worsening Easily?
It is clear that myopia today is far worse than it was years ago. Not only are more people suffering from the condition these days but they are also being diagnosed at an early age. This can be attributed to many factors, but the one that stands out the most is excessive screen time. Most adults and children now spend so much time in front of computers, smartphones and tablets, which leads to vision problems such as myopia.
What Are the Most Common Treatments for Myopia?
Wearing prescription glasses is the most common method for treating myopia. The eye doctor will test your eyes to determine the correct prescription of lenses that would make you see clearly. Contact lenses are a popular alternative to eyeglasses. However, both these treatments are temporary and only work while you are wearing the lenses.
For a more permanent solution, you might consider corneal refractive therapy or CRT. This procedure alters the shape of your cornea, allowing you to see far objects more clearly. LASIK is also one of the more popular permanent treatments for myopia. It removes a tissue layer from your cornea to give it the correct shape for you to have perfect vision.
What Is Myopia Management?
Myopia management is a term that collectively refers to the procedures needed to be done by people with myopia so that they can keep the situation from getting worse or at least, slow down its progress. It begins with the chosen treatment method from those listed above, but there are also many other factors involved as well.
For instance, myopia management typically includes a change in lifestyle, like spending less time in front of digital gadgets and more time outdoors. Consciously taking breaks when doing vision-intensive activities like reading and writing are also part of myopia control. When looking at a screen is necessary, it needs to be at a proper distance from your eyes and the brightness and contrast should be set properly.
Why Is Myopia Management Important?
Myopia management is important because this is the best way to keep the condition from worsening as fast as it usually does. In some cases, excellent management can not only stop the worsening but actually cause improvements.
Myopia management is particularly important for nearsighted children. The ages between 7 and 10 years are crucial because this is the period of the most rapid worsening in most cases. With proper care and management, however, the situation can be controlled and the myopia can plateau at a much lower grade than it otherwise would.
You can keep myopia under control with proper management techniques, but the benefits are much more than this. The right practices can actually help prevent a number of other eye health issues in the long run. Myopic people are more likely to eventually suffer from cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. However, by managing the condition early, the chances of these will be much lower.
Who Should Take Myopia Control Treatment?
Everyone who has been diagnosed with myopia would benefit from myopia control treatment. The specific procedures or guidelines might vary depending on the particular situation. If you have myopia, it is best that you consult with your eye doctor to find out what specific management procedures you need to be doing. Ensure optimal myopia control by consulting your eye doctor for personalized management procedures.
However, the ones who would benefit the most from myopia control are individuals who are 16 years old or younger. The sooner the treatment is begun, the more chances that further complications can be avoided. If you have a child who has been found to be nearsighted, it would help them tremendously if myopia management procedures are started early.
Recommended articles:
Myopia vs. hyperopia: differences and right glasses
Nearsighted vs farsighted vision: differences and glasses guides
Astigmatism vs. normal: all you need to know
What are 20/10, 20/20, and 20/40 vision?
Everything about an eye exam you should know
What is CYL, AXIS and SPH in eye prescription?
Ultimate guide: how to read eye prescription
Pupillary distance explained: how to measure PD
Optometrist vs ophthalmologist
How to know if you need glasses?
