Myopia: More Than Just Blurry Distance Vision
Myopia (short-sightedness) is increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. While often corrected with glasses, progressive and high myopia are linked to serious, sometimes irreversible eye diseases later in life.
High myopia typically begins in children and worsens as the eye continues to grow. This axial elongation (excessive growth) stretches delicate eye structures, increasing long-term risks. The WHO defines high myopia as −5.00 diopters or more.
Why Myopia Progression Matters
As myopia increases, so does the risk of vision-threatening complications:
Retinal Detachment
Up to a 10× higher risk due to retinal thinning and stretching as the eye grows longer.
Glaucoma & Cataracts
Myopic eyes have an increased risk of optic nerve damage and tend to develop cataracts earlier in life.
Macular Degeneration
One of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in high myopia, caused by degenerative retinal changes.
What’s Driving the Myopia Epidemic?
Lifestyle changes in children are heavily linked to the rapid rise in myopia cases:
- - Prolonged near work: High usage of reading, screens, and smartphones
- - Reduced time outdoors: Less exposure to natural daylight and distance viewing
- - Genetic predisposition: Combined with modern environmental factors
Studies show children who spend more time outdoors have a significantly lower risk (11–34%) of developing myopia.
Myopia Control: What Actually Helps?
While myopia cannot be cured, its progression can often be slowed using evidence-based strategies:
- - Myopia Control Lenses: Special spectacles designed to reduce progression by up to 60%.
- - Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Overnight lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea.
- - Peripheral-Defocus Contact Lenses: Soft lenses that can slow progression by roughly 50%.
- - Low-Dose Atropine: Eye drops that may slow the rate of change in some children.
