What is Myopia?
Myopia means short sight. Distant objects become blurred, but people can often see close objects clearly. This is because the light is refracted too much by the front of the eye and this focuses the light in front of the retina instead of on the retina. 

An incredible third of the population are myopic and it is considered that this is becoming an epidemic. It is estimated that half the world’s population will be myopic by 2050. 

Myopia can develop at any age even into adult life, but typically between 6-13 years of age. The earlier we treat the myopia the more chance we have of slowing the growth down, resulting in a lower prescription in adult life. The higher the myopia the higher the risk there is to eye health including glaucoma and retinal detachment.

Myopia management treatments have been shown to reduce the development by 50-60%.

Signs of Myopia
• Difficulty reading words from a distance
• Needing to sit close to a computer screen, or holding your phone or a book close to the face to read clearly
• Headaches
• Needing to rub your eyes frequently

How Can Myopia be Treated?
Soft Contact Lenses – These contact lenses are soft daily disposable lenses that are specially designed to reduce the progression of myopia in children.
Glasses – The My-Con spectacle lenses from Rodenstock is what we use in glasses if patients want this treatment. It works in the same way as the other treatment options of ortho-k and soft lenses.
Laser Eye Surgery – Two different types of laser eye surgery are available, to either reshape the front of the eye
or via lens surgery to replace the lenses in your eyes with artificial lenses.
Orthokeratology – EyeDream, a form of orthokeratology (ortho-k), corrects your vision while you sleep, suitable for mild to moderate myopia at any age. Simply remove the custom lenses upon waking and enjoy clear vision throughout the day. Unlike laser treatment, EyeDream is non-invasive and reversible, making it the best choice for anyone that has considered laser refractive surgery but worried about the risks.

Benefits also include the ability to get involved in sports without restrictive glasses or contact lenses, and removes symptoms like discomfort, or dry, scratchy eyes from daily life.

Where to start?
If you’re worried about you or your child’s eyesight then first port of call is always to talk to a fully qualified optician. With their help you’ll be able to create a management plan to ensure good health for years to come.

Article and images are provided by Pullen & Symes Opticians
www.opticiansinexeter.co.uk

Images © Pullen & Symes Opticians