Myopia Control Clinic

Myopia or shortsightedness is an eye condition whereby the eyeball has elongated or lengthened causing light to focus in front of the retina., resulting in blurred vision in the distance. Other than requiring visual correction, low-grade myopia is a reasonably benign condition. However in the last decade or so there has been an increase in the number and decrease in age of children developing a more severe progressive myopia. High myopia is associated with an increased risk of several pathologies such as macular degeneration, retinal breaks and detachment, glaucoma and cataract. This is particularly important when you consider that 2 billion people in the world suffer from myopia. The prevalence of myopia is greater amongst the Asian population.

Myopia

Risk factors for the development of myopia can be divided into modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors.

 Non modifiable risk factors

  • Genetics is a well known risk factor for the development of myopia and if both parents are myopic the risk of a child developing myopia is increased five fold.
  • Being of Asian descent is also a risk factor.

Modifiable risk factors

  • Lack of time outdoors. 
  • Prolonged close work.

There are several strategies available to lessen the progression of myopia in suitable children. It is advisable to spend 1-2 hours daily outside as this has been found to reduce the possibility of developing myopia. Bright sunlight has been found to encourage the release of the retinal transmitter dopamine, which is known to block the growth of the eye. Parents should also restrict their children to 2 hours of screen work daily. Other techniques to lessen the progression of myopia include myopia control contact lenses such as CooperVision's MiSight lenses and some types of multifocal contact lenses. Executive or E-line bifocal glasses have also been found to lessen the progression of myopia as has the Zeiss Myolens lens and Miyosmart lens from Hoya. Low dose Atropine 0.01% to 0.025% eyedrops daily have also found to slow the progression of myopia. 

If you're concerned with the rate of progression of myopia of your child, then please make an appointment for us to assess their suitability for instigating myopia control therapy.

Posted 01 April 2018

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Practice Location

Logan City Centre
Cnr Wembley and Kingston Roads
Logan Central, Qld 4114

Ph: 07 3299 3699
Fax: 07 3290 4558
Email: via our contact page

Operating Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Thursday 8:30am - 7:00pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday 8:30am - 12:00pm
Sunday Closed