Keddy Shore- Department of Ophthalmology
Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a condition in which nearby objects appear clear but objects farther away look blurry. The prevalence of myopia exceeds 28% of the global population. Researchers often categorize this condition as an epidemic, as by 2050, that statistic could reach 50%. Myopia most often results from the eye being too long or oval-shaped rather than round. These changes result in light rays intersecting in front of the retina and crossing before hitting the light receptors in the eye, causing the brain to perceive a blurry image. Genetics, age, and environmental factors all contribute to the degree of myopia in a person. For example, in some regions of East Asia, over 80% of the population is nearsighted, double that of Caucasians. Individuals who have parents with myopia also have a greater risk of developing the condition and it typically progresses much faster in children until stabilizing at an average age of 24.
In addition to traditional glasses and LASIK surgery, another effective treatment option is often overlooked. Orthokeratology (or Ortho-K) is a type of specialty contact lens used to provide a temporary reduction of refractive error or nearsightedness. Newer developments in their lens materials have enabled modern orthokeratology lenses to be worn safely overnight. These lenses mold or manipulate the curvature of the cornea overnight and provide patients with clear vision throughout the day after removal in the morning. While corneal changes are not permanent and patients must wear their lenses each night to maintain clear vision, the longer orthokeratology lenses are used, the longer it takes the cornea to fully return to its nearsighted shape. Ortho-K is a great treatment option, especially for those who don’t like wearing glasses and don’t want LASIK surgery, and just one example of the future for eye health.
References:
Nti, A. N., & Berntsen, D. A. (2020). Optical changes and visual performance with Orthokeratology. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 103(1), 44–54. https://doi.org/10.1111/cxo.12947
Landreneau, J. R., Hesemann, N. P., & Cardonell, M. A. (2021). Review on the Myopia Pandemic: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Prevention. Missouri medicine, 118(2), 156–163.
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