•Dr Priscilia Imade
In this month of July, our discussions have been centered on myopia awareness creation and today, we are concluding the topic with a recap on myopia, ways of controlling control it and management.
Myopia is also known as short-sightedness, it is a common vision condition where a person can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. This happens when the eye grows too long from front to back, or when the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is too curved. As a result, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
In recent decades, myopia has become much more common especially in children and teenagers. In some parts of the world, more than half the population is affected. Scientists and eye care professionals are increasingly concerned, not just because myopia affects vision but because high levels of myopia can lead to serious eye health problems later in life and even blindness.
WHY IS MYOPIA INCREASING?
Genetics play a major role because children with myopic parents are more likely to develop it themselves. Environmental factors are another major contributors. These include:
• Excessive near work such as reading, writing, or screen use for long periods.
• Lack of outdoor time, which reduces exposure to natural light that is believed to help regulate healthy eye growth.
• Starting school early or intense academic pressure, especially in urban environments.
These lifestyle changes have contributed to a global rise in myopia, especially in school-aged children.
WHY CONTROLLING MYOPIA IS IMPORTANT
For many, myopia may seem like a minor inconvenience that glasses or contact lenses can fix. But when myopia becomes moderate to high, it increases the risk of:
• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration
Controlling myopia means slowing down its progression, especially during the critical growing years of childhood and adolescence. The earlier action is taken, the better the long-term outcome.
EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR MYOPIA CONTROL
1. Spending More Time Outdoors:
Research shows that at least two hours of outdoor time per day can significantly reduce the risk of developing myopia and slow its progression. Natural daylight helps regulate healthy eye growth and reduces the strain caused by prolonged near work.
2. Taking Breaks from Near Work:
The 20-20-20 rule is a simple strategy: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to relax and reduces strain that may contribute to myopia development.
3. Specialised Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses:
Some specially designed glasses and contact lenses are now available to slow down the progression of myopia. These include:
• Multifocal or defocus-correcting glasses
• Soft contact lenses that reduce eye elongation
These work by changing the way light focuses on different parts of the retina, which helps control the eye’s growth.
4. Orthokeratology (Night Lenses):
This involves wearing specially shaped contact lenses overnight that gently reshape the cornea while you sleep. The next day, vision is corrected without needing glasses and the process also helps slow the eye’s growth.
5. Low-Dose Eye Drops:
Certain medicated eye drops (such as low-dose atropine) have been shown in studies to significantly slow down myopia progression in children. These drops are usually prescribed by an eye doctor and used daily.
ROLE OF PARENTS AND COMMUNITIES
Parents , teachers and guardians play an important role in preventing and managing myopia in children. Encouraging outdoor play, limiting screen time, and scheduling regular eye examinations are all important steps. Schools and communities can also help by promoting outdoor activities and creating eye-friendly environments in classrooms.
WHEN TO SEE AN OPTOMETRIST
Children should have their eyes checked at least once a year, even if they do not complain of vision problems. Early signs of myopia can be subtle, such as:
• Squinting to see the board
• Sitting too close to screens
• Complaining of headaches or eye strain
Regular eye check-ups allow for early detection and timely intervention. Myopia is no longer just a minor vision issue, it is a growing public health concern. Thankfully, we now understand much more about how to manage and slow its progression. By taking simple, science-backed steps early, we can protect not only our vision but also our long-term eye health.
Whether you are a parent, educator, or someone experiencing vision changes, knowing about myopia control can empower you to make informed choices. Clear vision is more than just convenience, it is a lifelong asset worth preserving.
Protect your eyes because you may never have another pair if you loose them.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
Another edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
