Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is a common refractive error that affects distance vision. When you have myopia, near objects are clear, but distant objects are blurry and out of focus. Unfortunately, myopia is a growing concern and currently affects over 30% of the Canadian population.
Typically, human eyeballs are spherical. This is so that when light focuses directly on the retina, vision remains perfectly clear. However, myopia develops when the length of the eyeball is too long, or its interior wall is too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The result is blurry, out of focus distance vision.
But why does the shape of the eyeball change? While the underlying biological causes of myopia are unknown, there are many theories including:
Unfortunately, there is no cure for myopia, but its symptoms can be managed, and in some cases, its progression can be controlled. At River Heights Eye Care, we offer the following methods of myopia control:
The most common form of myopia control is prescription glasses, such as Myovision from Zeiss. Multifocal lenses and contact lenses, which contain two or more prescriptions in the same lens, may also prove helpful.
Orthokeratology, also called Ortho-K, can also be used to temporarily correct myopia. These specialized rigid-gas-permeable (RGP) lenses gently reshape the eye while you sleep, temporarily providing you with clear vision the next day. However, these structural changes are temporary, so your eyes will revert if you stop wearing your lenses.
Low dose atropine drops (0.01%) temporarily prevent the eyes from changing focus, allowing them to relax and reducing strain on the focusing muscles. These prescription eye drops have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in some children.
Many global studies are being conducted on the link between myopia and lifestyle. One of which focuses on natural and artificial lighting. For example, children who spent more time outside exhibited a reduction in myopia progression.
Similarly, the amount of time children spent on digital devices is being continuously studied as a possible contributor to myopia and digital eye strain. At River Heights Eye Care, we will discuss your children’s patterns for any areas of concern.
Our brand-new clinic is located in River Heights, on the south side of the beautiful Bow River. You’ll find us across the highway from the Community of Fireside, beside Cochrane Dodge.
River Heights Eye Care
