Myopia Management

In today’s fast-paced world, where screens are an integral part of our daily lives, the health of our eyes, especially in managing conditions like myopia, has never been more important.

We at Northgate Optometrists understand this modern challenge and are at the forefront of offering comprehensive myopia management solutions. Our dedicated approach not only aims to correct vision but also to slow the progression of myopia, ensuring a brighter, clearer future for our patients.

What is myopia?

Myopia or nearsightedness is an eye condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. This refractive error happens when the eyeball becomes elongated, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on its surface.

What are the signs of myopia?

The primary sign of myopia is blurred vision when looking at distant objects. Other symptoms may include:

• Squinting or partially closing the eyelids to see clearly
• Headaches due to eye strain
• Difficulties with visual tasks that require seeing far away, such as driving
• Children with myopia might also demonstrate a lack of interest in outdoor activities or sports due to their impaired distance vision

What are the causes of myopia?

Myopia can be attributed to both genetic and environmental factors. A family history of myopia significantly increases the risk of developing the condition. Environmental influences, such as prolonged near work (reading, using computers, or smartphone uses) and limited time spent outdoors, have been shown to contribute to the onset and progression of myopia.

The combination of these factors influences the elongation of the eyeball, leading to myopia.

How is myopia diagnosed?

Myopia is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an optometrist. At Northgate Optometrists, our comprehensive eye test includes a review of your vision and medical history, followed by a series of tests to measure how the eyes focus light and to determine the degree of nearsightedness. These tests help in crafting a precise, personalised treatment plan.

How is myopia managed?

Managing myopia involves correcting the current level of nearsightedness and attempting to slow the progression of the condition.

• Prescription Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses — These are the most common methods for correcting the blurred vision caused by myopia, allowing for clearer distance vision.
• Orthokeratology — This involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight that temporarily reshape the cornea, reducing myopia and allowing for clear daytime vision without needing glasses or contact lenses.
• Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops — Studies have shown that using these eye drops can slow myopia progression in children.
• Lifestyle Adjustments — Encouraging regular breaks from near work, promoting outdoor activities, and monitoring proper lighting during reading or screen time can also help manage myopia.

By staying on top of the latest research and using advanced techniques, we strive to mitigate myopia’s effects and enhance our patients’ quality of life.

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 Address: Shop 312, Northgate Shopping Centre, Cnr Northumberland Road and Olievenhout Ave (opposite Dischem), Northriding, Johannesburg, 2163

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 Email: [email protected]