How to effectively manage myopia

Abstract

Myopia has become epidemic in the world. Without effective control, the progression may lead to excessive myopia with severe complications affecting vision and ocular alignment. The genetic factors and environmental factors of myopia are closely interrelated to each other. Asian ethnicity and parental myopia, among other genetic factors, influence the refractive outcome dramatically when environmental risk factors such as hours of near work and reading distance are analyzed. Outdoor activities are protective measures that retard myopia progression. Total time under the sun and not the specific outdoor activities are contributing factors. Current effective treatments for myopia include atropine of high, moderate, and low doses, relative peripheral myopia-inducing devices, and bifocal spectacles including prism bifocal spectacle lenses. Although atropine is considered highly effective in randomized controlled trials, it is not well tolerated in a clinical setting, especially in high dosage. Since the severity of rebound effect of atropine after cessation of usage and the side effects are directly related to the concentration of the medication, it is recommended that low-dose atropine is used in the initial attempt. Higher concentration for better control can be considered when compliance is observed. Devices that induce relative peripheral myopia such as orthokeratology are moderately effective interventions that are well accepted by children who wish to be spectacle free. Bifocal spectacles generally have low effect in myopia control. Prism bifocal spectacle lenses may have a special niche in myopia retardation for patients with low lags of accommodation.

<p>The Role of Time Exposed to Outdoor Light for Myopia Prevalence and Progression: A Literature Review</p>

“…There is an increasing number of studies investigating the connection between outdoor time and myopia. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] As the increase of recent publications shows; there is a continuously growing interest in the topic of myopia, and demand for concrete mitigation strategies. For this reason, the objective of this review is to provide a critical analysis of the data investigating the association between time spent exposed to natural light (outdoor time) and myopia prevalence and progression.…”

“…There is an increasing number of studies investigating the connection between outdoor time and myopia. 12 – 19…”

Comparing the results of manual and automated quantitative corneal neuroanalysing modules for beginners

“…Second, corneal characteristics may differ based on ethnicity, so our results may not be generalizable for Western populations. For instance, Asians have smaller anterior segments and higher prevalence of myopia 34 – 36 , both of which may affect the SCNP parameters 37 . The reported values of normal SCNP measurements also varied across different ethnicities in past reports 24 , 38 , 39 .…”

Clinical uses and toxicity of Atropa belladonna; an evidence based comprehensive retrospective review (2003-2017)

“…Atropine in this study was very effective and well tolerated in slowing down the advancement of myopia and ocular axial elongation. (Chuang, 2017;Chia et al, 2012;Chua et al, 2006).…”