It has been estimated that by 2050 around half of the world’s population will be short sighted and of that 50%, 10% of those will be classed as highly myopic (above -6.00 in prescription).  The higher the prescription, the more increased risk of things such as retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts.  In fact, myopia related diseases are the most common cause of impaired vision.  Plus of course, the financial aspect of paying for the thinnest spectacle lenses whenever the prescription changes.

Now, what’s to be done about it?

Current lifestyle trends (more time spent indoors, more time using digital devices) are the exact opposite of what we should be doing to try and slow this myopic progression down.

What we should be doing…

1. The 20:20:20 Rule. When using a screen, PC, Laptop, games console and smartphone every 20 minutes you should focus on something 20 feet away or further for a time of 20 seconds.

2.  The 30:30 Out Rule. Any near vision task should be performed no closer than 30 cm.(reading or PC work). There should be a break every 30 minutes.  Get outside in natural light for as long as possible  (2 hours being the ultimate aim)

So, in summary : Less time on the smartphone/tablet/PC, more time outdoors.

Now, obviously, this newfound knowledge is coming much too late for some of us, so let’s start thinking about the children (they are the future after all!) Myopia can be inherited; if mum or dad wear glasses, there is a strong probability that junior will too.  We now know that the earlier the onset of myopia, the greater the chance of ending up as a high myope.  So as well as following the lifestyle recommendations as listed above there are now specially designed spectacle lenses and contact lenses that are able to slow down, or even halt the progression of myopia.  And they are suitable from as young as 6 years old.  Let’s start the conversation!

We’ll be going into more details about the various options available over the next few blogs as we continue with our myopia control month.

Next week: Ortho K lenses- Gas permeable lenses that gently reshape the cornea whilst asleep.  Go to sleep as -4.00, wake up with perfect vision,  Magic or what?!