Myopia

Definition

Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is a refractive eye condition when distant objects are not focused on the retina. People who are myopic can see things clearer when they are very close.

Causes

Myopia occurs when there is a mismatch between the focussing strength of the eye and its length. It typically happens because the eye is too long from front to back, and so the focus of light does not reach the retina.

Most cases of myopia are believed to have a genetic origin. Environmental factors such as intensive reading as a child and teenager also appears to play a role, with myopia being much more common in populations following the introduction of intensive formal education. Not everyone who does lots of near work becomes myopic, and this suggests that the sensitivity to environment varies between youngsters. It may be that this sensitivity is influenced by genes.

Treatment in Adults

Myopia is most commonly treated with spectacles that move the focus of light backwards to the retina. Lenses used to correct myopia are thin in the centre and get progressively thicker towards their edge. Optical correction of myopia usually gives normal vision.

It is possible to correct myopia with contact lenses.

Refractive surgery alters the focusing parts of the eye. It normally does this by re-shaping the cornea using a laser, but alternatives include inserting a lens within the eye. As with any form of surgery these techniques can lead to complications, which include glare and reduced vision that are not correctable. Laser refractive surgery for myopia aims to flatten the cornea and so weaken its focussing strength by burning away central tissue. There are limits to how much tissue can safely be removed and so there is a limit of how much myopia is correctable with these techniques. Ethical providers of surgery also rightly insist that evidence be provided that the myopia not be progressing at the point of surgery and any ‘lifetime guarantees’ provided also usually involve multiple re-lasering treatments which patients needs to be aware of. Modern laser surgery is regarded as very safe and major complications are rare, however we do encourage patients do their own research before any big decisions are made.

Treatment in Children

Myopia is on the rise and is almost reaching epidemic proportions in children and adolescents. A combination of increased screen time, insufficient time outside and additional factors including genetic components have resulted in sharp rises in the numbers of children diagnosed with myopia.  Myopia progression can not be reversed or stopped, but lots of research has being going on this field in attempting to slow down the rate of progression. Being able to lower the final myopic prescription outcome at adulthood also has additional ocular health benefits including lower risk of retinal detachment and wet macular degeneration.

We now provide all 3 options available in the UK for myopia control management. These include specialist spectacle lenses, soft daily contact lenses and overnight Ortho K lenses.

For more information on our myopia treatment options for children please click here.