SLOWING MYOPIA PROGRESSION
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There is no safe level of myopia.
Every additional diopter of myopia increases the risk of sight-threatening eye disease by 67%.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Start Myopia Control Methods?
The earlier myopia control interventions are initiated, the better the outcome. Research shows that early onset of myopia increases the risk of high myopia. It is never 'too' late to start, but greater efficacy is noted when treatments are started early. This can even begin at a 'pre-myopic' level - our optometrists can identify when your child is on the way to becoming myopic and can begin treatment to help prevent further acceleration.
A significant percentage of adults are also progressing - it is not too late to begin myopia control measures. If your prescription has been increasing, you may be a suitable candidate for myopia control interventions as well.
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What Are The Benefits of Slowing Myopia Progression?
Myopia control is about quality of life. The short-term benefits are clear and comfortable vision. The long-term benefits include a reduction in the risk of sight-threatening conditions such as retinal detachments, myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts. Moreover, suitability for laser-refractive surgery is dependent upon stable refractive error - therefore early myopic interventions can help prepare you for laser surgery in adulthood.
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When Should We Stop Myopia Control?
Generally once refractive stability has been reached. Studies have shown that most individuals are stable by their mid-20s, however about 1/3 can still show myopia progression throughout their 20s and early 30s. Once myopia is stable, regular eye tests will be required to ensure retinal health and integrity remains intact.
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A Combined Approach | The Myopia Clinic Difference
Our treatment program represents a new approach to managing short-sightedness (myopia): combining effective, targeted therapies with lifestyle management.
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​In the past, and is still the case at the majority of optometrists, correction of poor vision with glasses or contact lenses is the main focus of myopia treatment. While this address the immediate problem, it does not actively address slowing the rate of eyesight deterioration in these children, meaning their myopia will likely worsen. With their increasing level of short-sightedness and growth of their eyeball, the risk to the child's long-term eye health increases each year.
At the Myopia Clinic, we apply the latest scientific research in myopia control to help stabilise your child's eyesight, not only correcting their vision but also slowing progression over time.
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Effective and safe treatment options are now available to slow short-sightedness progression by 30-75% (average reduction of 50%) in suitable children. This significantly reduces your child's risk of developing high degrees of short-sightedness and the associated risks of serious eye diseases and potential vision loss later in adulthood.
References
1. Bullimore, M.A. and Brennan, N.A. (2019) ‘Myopia control: Why each diopter matters’, Optometry and Vision Science, 96(6), pp. 463–465. doi:10.1097/opx.0000000000001367. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31116165/ (read here)
2. Chua SY, Sabanayagam C, Cheung YB, Chia A, Valenzuela RK, Tan D, Wong TY, Cheng CY, Saw SM. Age of onset of myopia predicts risk of high myopia in later childhood in myopic Singapore children. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2016 Jul;36(4):388-94 (read here)
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3. Haarman, A.E. et al. (2020) ‘The complications of myopia: A review and meta-analysis’, Investigative Opthalmology & Visual Science, 61(4), p. 49. doi:10.1167/iovs.61.4.49. (read here)
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4. COMET Group. Myopia stabilization and associated factors among participants in the Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial (COMET). Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013 Dec 3;54(13):7871-84. (read here)
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5. Lee SS, Lingham G, Sanfilippo PG, Hammond CJ, Saw SM, Guggenheim JA, Yazar S, Mackey DA. Incidence and Progression of Myopia in Early Adulthood. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2022 Feb 1;140(2):162-169. (read here)