advice
RECOMMENDATIONS
Traditional treatment options such
as single vision distance glasses
and contact lenses correct the
distance blur, but do not slow the
progression of myopia caused by
the lengthening of the eyeball.
Glasses
Conventional glasses prescribed for
seeing clearly in the distance are the
simplest treatment option, however,
they do not treat any focusing and
eye-teaming problems that may also
be present. These problems may
be contributing to the progression
of myopia. Your optometrist may
need to prescribe glasses with
enhanced near vision or multifocal
(progressive) lenses to simultaneously
correct the distance blur and help
reduce the impact eyestrain at near.
Vision therapy may also need to be
recommended.
Contact lenses
Orthokeratology (also known as
ortho-K or OK) involves using a hard
contact lens overnight to flatten the
cornea. Good vision can be achieved
without glasses or contact lenses
during the day. However, overnight
lens wear increases the risk of eye
infections. Studies have shown that
ortho-K lens wear can also slow the
lengthening of the eyeball and myopia
progression. Children as young as
six years of age can be successfully
fitted with ortho-K lenses. However, it
is more commonly prescribed in pre-
teens and teenagers.
Topical atropine eye drops
A recent extensive five-year study by
ATOM (Atropine for the Treatment of
Myopia) showed significant results
in myopia control using atropine eye
drops. Atropine is used for relaxing
the focusing muscles of the eye and
dilating (widening) pupils. Higher
concentrations of atropine can result
in blurred near vision, excessive pupil
dilation and significant light sensitivity.
However, low dose atropine drops can
yield excellent results with minimal
side effects.
Outdoor activity
More outdoor activity may provide
a simple solution for myopia control
as well as protection against the
onset of myopia. The risk of myopia
is reduced when children spend
sufficient time outdoors (more than
two hours per day). In Australia, it
was found that non-myopic six-year-
old children spent four to five hours
more per week outdoors compared
with myopic children. Asian children
living in Sydney spend 11 hours more
per week outdoors compared to
Asian children in Singapore resulting
in three per cent versus 30 per cent
prevalence of myopia, respectively.
Which treatment is most suitable for your child?
Multifocal glasses, orthokeratology, atropine and/or time spent
outdoors can all slow the progression of myopia. Your optometrist
can help advise on the most suitable treatment, or a combination of
treatments, for your child depending on their condition.
Vanessa Thai is a registered optometrist
available through Southside Family Health Centre
June 2017
35