Myopia

What is myopia?

Myopia occurs when light rays focus in front of the retina because the eye is too long or has excessive focusing power. Objects in the distance appear blurry and as they get closer to the eye, are seen more clearly.

This condition may be inherited and there is an environmental factor. More children are becoming myopic with increased near work and screen time in their daily lives. Myopia typically progresses yearly and stabilizes in late teen years or early twenties.

How is myopia treated?

Treatment options are now available to slow the progression of myopia. These include low dose atropine therapy, MiSight contact lenses and Stellest glasses.

In addition, lifestyle modifications are recommended. These include playing outside two hours a day, limiting screen time, avoiding reading in the dark, and resting the eyes every twenty minutes by looking at a distance (at least 20 feet away) for 20 seconds. The latter is the 20-20-20 rule.