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Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry, while near objects remain clear. Myopia can also be referred to as being short-sighted.
Myopia commonly starts in childhood. Some myopic children have never had clear distance vision and so are not aware of what they are missing. Frowning and screwing up the eyes in an effort to see better is common, as is holding reading material quite close.
Some people experience late onset myopia, emerging as a problem in middle age.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer than usual from front to back. This causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than directly on its surface, meaning the image formed is not as sharp as it should be. The blurred effect increases when things are viewed at a greater distance.
Myopia can be inherited but can also occur when no one else in the family has it. There is no easily predictable way to determine the chances of Myopia.
Myopia usually increases during childhood and the teenage years and levels off in the late twenties. This is due to the eyeball continuing to grow until the age of 25 years. Eyes do not go blind as a result of low myopia but there are risks associated with high Myopia.
Myopia may be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, orthokeratology, or eye surgery. Depending on your vision problem, you may need to wear your glasses or contact lenses all the time or only when you need distance vision, like driving, seeing a whiteboard or watching a movie.
1. Prescription glasses
Prescription glasses shift the point of focus so that it falls exactly on the back of the eye, not the periphery, giving clear vision. Your optometrist will be able to discuss this with you as part of evaluating treatment options best suited to your myopia.
2. Contact Lenses
A wide range of contact lens technologies are available in both hard and soft materials, daily, monthly or extended wear. Ask your optometrist which ones will be best for you.
3. Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a custom contact lens you wear only when you sleep to ‘re-shape’ the curvature of your eye. It has been shown to delay or halt myopia development. Your optometrist will be able to advise you if this treatment is suitable for you.
4. Refractive surgery
Once over 21 years of age, in certain cases, refractive surgery by an ophthalmologist may be a permanent solution. Your optometrist will assess if this is suitable for you.
Myopia is a disease that needs to be managed. Myopia control describes techniques used to slow the progression of myopia over time. There are a number of options we recommend to slow the progression; Visual hygiene, Orthokeratology, multifocal soft contact lenses, peripheral blur spectacles, red light therapy and atropine therapy. Myopia control is critical for our children’s eyes, now and their future eye health.
Read more about Myopia Control here
Kiwi's know that good things take time, so come to us, have the tests done without feeling that you have been "rushed thru", and you'll know what we mean when we say "we take the time!"
Book appointmentKiwi's know that good things take time, so come to us, have the tests done without feeling that you have been "rushed thru", and you'll know what we mean when we say "we take the time!"
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