What are Myopia Management Based Eye Examsso Important?
Myopia or nearsightedness affects over 42% of the U.S. population. Many people think this condition is just an inconvenience best taken care of by eyeglasses or standard soft contact lenses. But, these short term solutions are just the "tip of the iceberg".
Left uncontrolled, myopia may lead to glaucoma, macular degeneration and retina rips and tears. Any of these three diseases may cause permanent loss of sight; even with younger patients.
As the eye continues to become more myopic, the risk factors for these problems increases dramatically. A patient who has over -9.00 diopters of nearsightedness has a greater than 50% chance of developing myopia macular disease and a 350 times risk for retina detachment. It is easy to understand why progressive myopia is the leading cause of preventable blindness.
Fortunately, there are three established methods to slow progression: Orthokeratology, Peripheral Defocus Soft Contact Lenses, and Low Dose Atropine eye drops. And, for every 1.00 diopter we control myopia progression we reduce the risk of myopic macula disease by 40% and the subsequent risk for visual impairment by 20%.
This 4th week of May is Myopia Awareness Week. To learn more about Myopia, Children's vision, and Myopia Management, go to:
www.allaboutorthok.net