Myopia Management

Causes and Risk Factors of Myopia

Myopia is primarily caused by the eye's inability to properly focus light. This can happen when the eyeball is too long, the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is too curved, or the lens inside the eye is too thick. These structural differences cause light to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurred distance vision.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing myopia:

Genetics: If one or both of your parents have myopia, you are more likely to develop the condition as well.
Age: Myopia typically begins to develop in childhood and can progress through the teenage years.
Environment: Spending too much time on close-up activities, such as reading, using digital devices, or studying, can contribute to the development and progression of myopia.
Outdoor Activity: Spending less time outdoors and engaging in more near-work activities have been linked to an increased risk of myopia.

Common Symptoms of Myopia

The primary symptom of myopia is blurred distant vision. You may find it challenging to see clearly objects or people that are far away, while close-up tasks, such as reading or using a computer, may remain relatively unaffected. Other common symptoms of myopia include:

• Squinting or straining your eyes to see distant objects
• Headaches or eye strain after prolonged close-up work
• Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions
• The need to sit closer to the front of the classroom or the TV

Early Detection of Myopia through Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are crucial for the early detection of myopia. During these examinations, Dr. Tsang will use various tests and tools to assess the health and function of your eyes. By undergoing regular eye exams, you can ensure that any signs of myopia are detected early, enabling us to develop a personalized treatment plan to manage the condition and prevent it from progressing.

The Importance of Myopia Management

Myopia can have significant implications for your long-term eye health. If left unchecked, myopia can increase your risk of developing serious eye conditions, such as:

• Retinal Detachment: The stretching of the eye that occurs with myopia can increase the risk of the retina becoming detached from the back of the eye, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
• Cataracts: Myopia has been linked to an increased risk of developing cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens that can impair vision.
• Glaucoma: The elongation of the eye associated with myopia can put pressure on the optic nerve, potentially leading to the development of glaucoma, a condition that can cause vision loss.
• Macular Degeneration: Myopia can also increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

By actively managing your myopia, you can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of these serious eye health complications and preserve your vision for the long term.

Effective Myopia Management Methods

There are several effective myopia management methods available. Dr. Tsang can help you determine the most suitable option based on your specific needs and preferences.

• Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT): This non-surgical treatment involves wearing specialized gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, temporarily improving your distance vision without the need for daytime corrective lenses.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Similar to CRT, Ortho-K uses custom-fitted, overnight-wear contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear distance vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts.

Dual Focus Soft Contact Lenses: These specialized contact lenses have a unique design that provides clear distance vision while also slowing the progression of myopia. The lenses work by creating a second focal point in the peripheral vision, which can help control the eye's growth and prevent further myopia development.

Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to be effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children. These drops work by relaxing the focusing muscles of the eye, which can help control the eye's growth and prevent further myopia development.