MYOPIA AND SOME NOTICES

Myopia in children

Among the 4 types of refractive error, myopia, also known as near-sightedness, is the most common in Vietnam nowadays. According to many studies, in our country, the rate of myopia is relatively high, and will probably continue to increase higher in the future [6] [7] [8].
Myopia causes the impaired vision, affecting the quality of life. In addition, if myopia worsens (myopia above -5.00D), it will result in other complications such as retinal degeneration, retinal detachment, …
Therefore, it is necessary to take your child to check for refractive error [9].

WHAT IS MYOPIA?

Myopia occurs when the axis of the eyeball is too long or the cornea, which is a transparent surface in front of the eye, is too curved. Those conditions prevent light entering the eye from focusing properly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. Myopia people can only see objects clearly in the near distance. [9]

From top to bottom: Normal eyes, nearsighted eyes, and myopia eyes corrected
(Photo source: https://www.laservisionscotland.co.uk/correcting-myopia-in-children/ )

RISK FACTORS:

People who have following risk factors might take a higher risk of suffering from myopia:

• Parents suffer from myopia:
  • If both mother and father are near-sighted, the risk of their child getting myopia is about 6 times higher.
  • If only mother or father is near-sighted, the risk of their child getting myopia is about 3 times higher
• Usually see objects in the near distance, such as reading books, using phones, computers, drawing, … [10]

SYMPTOMS OF MYOPIA:

• Blurred vision:
  • Difficulty in seeing clearly far-away objects
  • Difficulty in seeing at night
• Must move nearer to watch or read while studying or watching television.
• Usually squinting, winking.
• Watery eyes, usually drowsiness.
• Fear of light.

People who have symptoms listed above must visit the Ophthalmology Clinic or Hospital to take the eye exam and other general examinations of the eye’s pathology.

SOME TREATMENT METHODS OF MYOPIA:

The goal of treating myopia patients is to make vision less blurred, more comfortable, to improve binocular vision, and to prevent myopia complications.

There are 4 common treatment methods myopia:

1. Using eyeglasses [11]:

There are 2 common types of eyeglasses:

• Rim eyeglasses:
  • This one is a low cost with a high safety method, which is suitable for almost ages.
  • However, it is uncomfortable for athletes.

Eyeglass frames
(Photo source: https://www.opticalmasters.com/blog/reasons-blurry-vision.html )

• Contact lens:
  • This type of eyeglass is more comfortable for athletes. The aesthetics of contact lens is undeniable.
  • Beside, it is not suitable for elderly and children. People using contact lens might find difficulty in wearing them, and they must be consulted carefully by the experts. Moreover, using contact lens may lead to eye complications.

Contact glass
Photo Credit ( https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/public-health/fda-clears-contact-lens-to-slow-myopia-progression?sso=y )

2. Drug therapy [9]

This therapy should be indicated carefully by a qualified healthcare professional.

3. Ortho-K gas-permeable hard contact glass (Orthokeratology) [12]

• Ortho-K is a special hardened contact lens with a special structure. These glasses are usually worn while sleeping, and removed after waking up. After removing the glasses in the morning, the patient will not need to wear glasses and still can see clearly for a certain period of time.
• In addition, this type of glasses has high air permeability, which helps limit the lack of oxygen for the cornea while wearing and reduce the majority of eye complications caused by contact lens. Moreover, this is a reversible method, meaning that the cornea will return to its original state after a period of wearing glasses.
• The downside of this type of glasses is that there is still a certain risk of complications such as eye inflammation. The cost of this type of glass is also relatively high.

4. Refractive surgery [13]

Refractive surgery methods help change the refractive power of the cornea to allow light to focus precisely on the retina. This method helps the patient be less dependent on glasses.
This surgery only takes a short time period, with quick recovery. However, this method is expensive, and people might suffer from some corneal diseases after the surgery.

Refractive surgery
(Photo source: https://www.santacruzoptometric.com/refractive-surgery-consultation-lasik )

There are many popular refractive surgery methods in Vietnam: LASIK, Femto – LASIK, ReLEx SMILE, …

HOW TO PREVENT MYOPIA, AND PREVENT MYOPIA FROM GETTING WORSE:

1. Practice “20/20/20 vision hygiene” method

:

• This means after working for 20 minutes, look 20 feet (6 meters) away from the eye for 20 seconds.

2. Suitable distance:

• The distance of reading and working should be suitable, avoid being too close.
• The ideal distance is from the tip of your thumb and index finger while bending to the elbow.

3. Suitable light:

• Always read, work in a well-lit room.
• The best light is from the back over the shoulder

4. Suitable working timetable:

• For children, it is necessary to have a suitable timetable:
  • Increase the time spent outdoors by at least 3 hours / day.
  • Working time after school should be less than 1 hour / day.

5. Meet the doctor when necessary:

• Take your child to the doctor as soon as possible while having the following symptoms:
  • Squinting
  • Blinking
  • Difficulty seeing the board …