Myopia
Understanding Myopia
WHAT IS MYOPIA?
Myopia, or short-sightedness, occurs when an image falls in front of the retina, resulting in distant objects to be blur. This can be optically corrected with visual aids like glasses or contact lenses to help one with myopia see clearly
RISK FACTORS OF MYOPIA
Risk factors of myopia include genetics, ethnicity, age and environmental factors like increased near work activities (longer screen time)
COMPLICATIONS OF MYOPIA
In patients with high myopia (> -6.00 Ds), they are more susceptible to ocular complications like glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachments and degeneration of the macula. Economic complications occur in the form of lost productivity due to visual impairment from uncorrected myopia and myopic macular degeneration
IMPORTANCE OF MANAGING MYOPIA IN CHILDREN
It is estimated that by 2050, almost 50% of the population (5 billion people) will be myopic. Myopia is one of the world’s leading causes of blindness. If allowed for progression without control, it can result in detrimental effects. Intervention and prevention of myopia should begin as early as possible