Myopia
Commonly referred to as short-sightedness, this is a prevalent refractive error that results in blurry distance vision. While it may seem like a simple matter of needing glasses to see the whiteboard or a road sign, Acuity Eyecare views myopia as a condition that requires proactive, long-term management. Treating myopia is no longer just about providing clear vision today; it is about reducing the exponential risk of permanent vision loss later in life.
What is Myopia?
Myopia occurs when light entering the eye fails to focus directly on the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye). Instead, the light focuses in front of the retina. This typically happens because the eye has grown too long, a measurement we call "axial length", or because the clear front window of the eye (the cornea) is too curved for the eye's shape.
While the symptoms of myopia, blurry distance vision, often first appear in childhood, the condition affects patients of all ages. A common misconception is that myopia only causes blur that can be fixed with a stronger pair of glasses. Unfortunately, clinical research confirms that myopia carries long-term risks. As a myopic eye grows longer, its internal tissues are "over-stretched" and weakened, placing individuals at a higher risk of retinal detachments, glaucoma, and cataracts earlier in life.
The Global Rise of Myopia
Current research suggests we are facing a significant global shift in eye health, often described as a "myopia epidemic." This is not merely an anecdotal observation; it is supported by rigorous scientific modelling. According to a landmark study by Holden et al. (2016), published in the journal Ophthalmology, it is predicted that by 2050, half the world’s population - nearly 5 billion people - will be myopic.
At Acuity Eyecare, we are dedicated to addressing this shift through a two-pronged approach: Myopia control for our younger patients and myopia management for adults. Myopia of any amount is linked to preventable visual impairments, and the risks increase significantly with the strength of the prescription:
Myopia Control in Children
For our younger patients, managing myopia is a journey that lasts throughout a child's developmental years. This is the period when the eye is growing most rapidly, and it represents our best opportunity to intervene. By slowing the rate of change while the eye is still developing, we can significantly lower the final prescription the child reaches as an adult.
If we take a passive approach and provide only standard single-vision glasses, a myopic child will typically see their prescription worsen by approximately -1.00 dioptre each year. By using evidence-based treatments, the Acuity Eyecare team can often slow this progression by up to 60%, keeping the eye "shorter" and healthier.
Treatment & Technology at Acuity Eyecare
We utilise a suite of advanced technologies to manage myopia across all life stages:
1. MiyoSmart Spectacle Lenses
These specialised lenses use "DIMS" technology to provide clear vision while creating "peripheral retinal defocus." This unique optical design tells the eye to slow its growth. They are an excellent, non-invasive option for children that look and feel like regular glasses.
2. Ortho-K (Orthokeratology)
Worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, Ortho-K provides clear daytime vision without glasses. It is a powerful tool for slowing myopia progression in children and active adults.
3. Multifocal Contacts & MiSight
For those who prefer soft lenses, multifocal contacts are a highly effective option. Using specialised multifocal contacts like MiSight daily disposables allows for clear vision while simultaneously slowing the physical stretching of the eyeball. These multifocal contacts are a hygienic and popular choice for active teenagers and adults alike.
4. Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Prescribed to be used every night, low-dose Atropine (0.025% to 0.05%) acts on the eye's receptors to slow growth. It is often used as a stand-alone treatment or alongside multifocal contacts or glasses to provide a comprehensive defence against rapid progression.
Myopia Management for Adults
While the physical growth of the eye usually stabilises in adulthood, the need for expert management does not end. For our adult patients at Acuity Eyecare, our focus shifts to monitoring the structural integrity of the eye. Because a myopic eye remains physically longer even after the prescription stops changing, it remains at a higher risk for certain conditions. Our adult management includes:
Why Choose Acuity Eyecare?
Whether you are a parent concerned about your child’s increasing prescription or an adult seeking to protect your long-term vision, Acuity Eyecare provides a comprehensive, clinical approach. We don't just "check your sight", we manage the health of your eyes for the long term. Our clinics are equipped with the latest diagnostic tools to ensure your myopia is managed with the highest level of care.
If you have noticed a change in your vision, find yourself squinting more often, or are simply due for a check-up, we invite you to book a comprehensive eye exam at one of our five Victorian clinics today