Myopia is a condition of the eye where there is blurring of vision for distance. This is also known as near sightedness. In some children we see Progression or increase in myopia rapidly. Higher myopia can risk the patient to Glaucoma (Raised Eye Pressures), Retinal Detachment, Myopic maculopathy and Night Blindness.
Who are more Predisposed to Progression of Myopia?
Those who have a Parental history of Myopia, who have started wearing glasses at a young age, who have more Near work are more Predisposed to Progression of Myopia.
Does Outdoor Activity Help?
To Prevent Progression of myopia to high myopia requires public health interventions.
There are many studies done to compare role of outdoor on myopia control. Outdoor environment may be effective due to bright light, high spatial frequency, better contrast, lesser hyperopic peripheral retinal defocus, wider field of vision, different chromatic spectrum of light and higher Vitamin D levels. Lingham et ali found solid evidence that exposure to bright light can reduce risk of myopia. Many studies have recommended 90 minutes outdoor playtime to reduce the risk for developing myopia or progression of myopia.
Role of Gadgets in Progression of Myopia
Factors like Increased Near work indoors and lag of accommodation are also under analysis to be the cause for rapid progression of myopia.
In an extensive study done by Huang et alii they found increased near work distance>30cm, stopping near work every 30 minutes and increasing the outdoor play time has a definite influence of prevention of prevalence and progression of myopia.
Other Factors causing Myopia Progression
Also, make sure that during this time the kids are wearing their glasses. Visual blur can be a significant factor to cause progression of myopia.
Also, the rule of 20-20-20 helps make sure that the children’s eyes are not too much strained while doing near activities. This rule means every 20 minutes ask the child to take break for 20 seconds and look at something 20 feet away.
Therapies for Prevention of Myopia Progression
Pharmaceutical methods in the form of 0.01% Atropine eye drops have been found to help prevention of Myopia Progression. ATOM studiesiii went on to prove that 0.01%of Atropine is effective in preventing progression f myopia without the side effects of blurring near vision or causing pupillary dilatation.
The Progressive Addition lensesiv compared to single vision lenses have also been found to prevent progression of Juvenile Onset Myopia in many studies like the COMET studies. This has been found to work by reducing the Peripheral Hyperopic Defocus which has been found to cause progression of myopia.
Annual Eye checkup is mandatory for all school going children to have early detection and treatment of eye problems
Book your appointment with Dr Aloka Hedau, Pediatric Ophthalmologist and Adult Squint Surgeon through www.dralokaseyecare.com
For more details contact Dr Aloka’s Eye Care at dralokahedau@gmail.com