Myopia (Nearsightedness) and Myopia Management
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is the most common refractive error worldwide. It usually appears between the ages of 6 and 12, but can sometimes occur before school age.
If one or both eyes do not refract (bend) light properly so that it is focused on the retina, refractive errors occur. In myopia, distant vision is blurry.
The prevalence of myopic refractive errors in children and adults has increased in recent years.
Risk Factors for Developing Myopia
Lack of Daylight
The more time children spend in daylight, the less likely they are to become nearsighted. Studies have shown that daylight is an important preventive factor. Children should be encouraged to spend at least 1 to 2 hours a day outdoors.
Family History of Nearsightedness
If one or both parents are nearsighted, it can increase the risk of their children also becoming nearsighted. If both parents are nearsighted, the risk increases to up to 60%.
Near Work
Near work, especially reading at a short distance, is another risk factor that can trigger nearsightedness. Particularly, reading or performing near work (e.g., on a computer or tablet) at a distance of less than 30 centimeters and constant close-up work without a break of more than 30 minutes can promote nearsightedness.
Premature Birth
Children born earlier than expected have an increased risk of developing myopia.
Genetic Diseases and Syndromes
The presence of genetic anomalies or syndromes can increase the risk of myopia.
Effects of Myopia
Clear vision is the optical result of the interplay between the cornea, lens, and the length of the eye (axial length). A refractive error must therefore be found in one of these factors. Since the cornea and lens rarely change during adolescence and mid-adulthood, the cause of increasing myopia is usually due to the increased length growth of the eyes (so-called axial myopia). This means that most nearsighted (myopic) eyes are also particularly long.
Due to the longer axial length of the eye, the sharp image is focused in front of the retina. The image on the retina, however, is blurry. Glasses correction (right) makes the image sharp again, but the eye length remains the same.
Long eyes carry a lifelong increased risk for many eye diseases, such as glaucoma or retinal detachment. These risks remain even after later refractive laser treatments (e.g., laser eye surgery for glasses-free vision). Therefore, it is desirable to keep the eye length within a normal range.
Myopia Control
In cases of existing and rapidly progressing myopia, myopia control (or myopia management) has been available for a few years. It consists of measures and therapies that help slow down the progression of myopia.
Knowledge about myopia management is relatively new and subject to rapid change. Our recommendations for various measures also evolve according to the latest scientific findings. The following optical, technical, and pharmaceutical measures are currently being studied and recommended:
- Atropine eye drops
- Myopia control glasses (DIMS)
- Orthokeratology contact lenses
We would be happy to discuss with you in a personal conversation whether any of these measures are suitable for your child and what effects we hope to achieve. Despite the growing popularity of these relatively new treatment methods, natural measures should not be forgotten. Playing outdoors for at least 1 to 2 hours in natural light is just as important, costs nothing, and has no side effects.
Eye Exercises for Myopia The effectiveness of eye exercises to reduce myopia has not yet been scientifically proven.
Vitamins for Myopia Vitamins are important for our bodies. A balanced diet provides essential nutrients and vitamins. However, the effectiveness of additional vitamin supplements for treating myopia has not yet been demonstrated.