The majority (65%) of Australian parents (with children 0-17-years old) do not know what child myopia is and alarmingly, only 12% of parents recognise the health risk that their children might develop later in life from myopia. Thio Eyecare is calling on parents to be aware of myopia, their risk factors and that it can be managed.
Myopia is forecast to reach epidemic proportions globally. Alarmingly, increases in the global prevalence of myopia and high myopia (a refractive error of at least -5.00D in either eye) mean that by 2020, it is estimated that 2 billion people worldwide will be affected. By 2050, it is estimated that more than 50% of the world’s population will have myopia and 10% or almost 1 billion will have high myopia. 36% of Australians are myopic by 2020 and by 2050, that number is set to increase to 55%.
Risk factors of myopia include
- Lifestyle: modern lifestyles may influence the development of myopia. These include: low levels of outdoor activity and prolonged near tasks such as reading and gaming on portable devices.
- Family history: The likelihood of developing myopia, particularly high myopia increases when one or both parents are myopic. However, the exact link between a family history of myopia and development of childhood myopia remains uncertain.
For parents who are concerned that their child might be myopic, or at risk of developing myopia, we recommend to have your child’s eyes tested and talk to your Optometrist about, not only correcting the immediate sight issue, but importantly what can be done to prevent or slow progression of myopia.
Here are some key statistics:
- 76% of parents of children under 12 years old believe being prescribed glasses is the best course of action if a primary school age child is diagnosed with myopia. In fact, there are many treatment options that should be discussed when managing myopia.
- Almost half (49%) of Australian parents of children aged 17 years and under admit they do not know what causes myopia.
- Only 12% of parents know of the lifestyle factors that have an impact on child myopia
- 31% of Australian kids (17 years and under) have never been to an Optometrist to have an eye test.
- 44% of children have not been to an Optometrist to have an eye test before their ninth birthday.
Additional useful information about myopia can be found at www.childmyopia.com
One of the simplest thing you can do is to encourage outdoor activity. Studies have shown that 2 hours of daily outdoor activity reduced the risk of onset of myopia by 50%. Unfortunately, for those children who are already myopic, increased outdoor activity does not seem to influence their rate of progression.
You may have noticed that every year your child’s prescription seems to be increasing. This is called Myopia progression and it is important that they are managed. Unchecked progressive myopia can lead to much higher risks of significant eye diseases in the future associated with high myopia. This can include myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataracts. Some of these eye conditions can lead to untreatable permanent blindness. In addition, the costs for high index lenses for high myopic prescription glasses can be very significant.
Methods that can effectively reduce myopia progression
However, there are other methods that can effectively reduce myopia progression once they have set in.
Atropine Eyedrops
One of the most common method control myopia is by nightly doses of low dose atropine eyedrops. This has been shown to reduce myopia progression with minimal side effects. At Thio Eyecare, Andri is therapeutically endorsed to prescribe ocular medications
Misight Lenses
Recent studies have also shown the use of specially designed multifocal soft contact lenses can be effective to reduce myopia progression by 49%. At Thio Eyecare, we are endorsed to prescribe the Misight lenses, which are daily multifocal lenses designed specifically for myopia control.
Ortho-K eye treatments
Orthokeratology or corneal refractive therapy has also been shown to be effective to reduce myopia progression by 43%. In addition, orthokeratology would allow the myopic patient to be able to see without any glasses nor contact lenses during the day. Imagine that, being able to see clearly, without glasses, without contact lenses, without surgery during the day/ At Thio Eyecare, our practise is equipped with corneal topography in order to design the most effective and personalised orthokeratology for your eyes. The lenses would be worn at night as your child sleeps to reshape their cornea and correct their eyesight.
Hoya MiyoSmart Technology
If you do not feel confident in putting in eyedrops or contact lenses in your child’s eyes. There is also a glasses option that has similar efficacy to the other methods. Thio Eyecare is authorized to prescribe the latest Hoya MiyoSmart technology specifically for myopia control.
Pros and Cons of various methods
Atropine
Pros:
- Simple to use, nightly drops before bed
Cons:
- Still need glasses to see.
- Some children may be allergic.
- Drops may cost more in the long term (about $40-$50/month dosage) and needs to be used for at least 2 years or more.
Misight Lenses
Pros:
- Lenses correct vision and also prevent myopia progression
- Daily disposable lenses, minimal risk of infection
Cons:
- Children or parents need to be confident in insertion and removal of lenses everyday
Orthokeratology
Pros:
- Corrects vision from overnight wear, don’t need glasses during the day, great for activities like swimming
Cons:
- Children or parents need to be confident in insertion and removal of lenses everyday
- Daily cleaning of lenses and annual review and maintenance
Hoya MiyoSmart
Pros:
- Simple, works like normal glasses
Cons:
- Additional cost to Miyosmart lenses compared to traditional single vision lenses
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