MYOPIA
Myopia (or short-sightedness) is much more than blurred vision at distance- it is a progressive condition which can have serious implications for long term eye health. Often beginning in childhood, myopia means that light focusses in front of the retina rather than directly upon it, blurring the appearance of objects at a distance more than those at near. Elongation of the eyeball (axial length increase) is the main driver of this condition, but greater curvature of cornea or refractive changes in the lens can also contribute to myopia development. Traditional spectacles and contact lenses adequately improve the clarity of distance vision, but fail to address the underlying elongation of the eye and risk of pathology. Thankfully, modern myopia intervention, including treatment with specialised spectacle lenses, contact lenses or eye drops, has the ability to slow axial elongation, control the progression of myopia, and significantly reduce the risk of resulting eye disease.
At Onèj Optometry, we take a personalised and evidence-based approach to myopia management. Every child undergoes a comprehensive assessment of their vision, prescription, binocular vision, ocular health and risk factors for progression. Advanced imaging and measurements of eye growth allow us to monitor changes over time and make informed treatment recommendations. Depending on the individual child, management options may include specialised spectacle lenses, myopia control contact lenses, low-dose atropine therapy, lifestyle modifications, or a combination of these approaches. Our goal is not simply to prescribe stronger glasses each year, but to proactively manage the condition and support lifelong ocular health.
-
Myopia has been recognised as an eyecare epidemic, with over half of the world’s population expected to suffer from the condition by 2050. Genetic predisposition plays an important role, however environmental factors such as prolonged near work, excessive screen use and insufficient exposure to natural outdoor light have also been linked to the development of myopia. Research consistently demonstrates that children who spend more time outdoors have a lower risk of becoming short-sighted, with many experts recommending approximately two hours of outdoor activity each day as part of a healthy visual lifestyle. Parents should be particularly vigilant if one or both parents are short-sighted, as family history significantly increases the likelihood of myopia developing in childhood.
Historically, eye care practitioners focused primarily on correcting blurred vision once myopia had developed. Modern research has shifted this approach substantially. We now understand that every additional millimetre of eye growth increases the lifetime risk of serious ocular disease. Higher levels of myopia are associated with significantly increased risks of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataract and myopic macular degeneration, conditions that may result in irreversible vision loss later in life. Consequently, contemporary myopia management aims not only to provide clear vision, but also to slow the progression of eye growth and reduce the likelihood of future ocular complications.
Children often develop myopia gradually, and the signs can be subtle. Squinting in the classroom, moving closer to screens, sitting near the television, reduced sporting performance, headaches, eye strain, or a sudden decline in school performance may all be indicators that vision is changing. Because myopia commonly progresses throughout childhood and adolescence, early diagnosis is critical. The younger a child becomes myopic, the greater the potential for progression over time, making timely intervention particularly important.
We understand that decisions regarding a child's vision can feel overwhelming. Our commitment is to explain findings clearly, discuss treatment options honestly, and work collaboratively with families to develop a management plan tailored to each child's needs. By identifying myopia early and implementing appropriate interventions, it is often possible to significantly reduce the progression of short-sightedness and help preserve ocular health for decades to come.