Myopia is one of the fastest growing epidemics of our time. Increased near work, reduced outdoor time and screen time are common triggers.

Myopia is a condition in which light focuses just short of the retina (the back of the eye), and results in things in the distance being blurrier than things close by. In many cases, it is because the size of the eye is "too long".

Myopia is often progressive, meaning it worsens over time. Not only are the consequences blurrier vision - increased myopia means increased risk of eye diseases, including macula disease, cataracts, glaucoma and retinal tears and detachments.

Thankfully, there is a lot of research being poured into myopia treatment that not only targets improved vision, but reduced or halted progression.

Behaviour modification is powerful in reducing the risk of myopia progression. Increased outdoor time (90 minutes a day), reduced near work and reduced screen time (2 hours a day) can all be helpful in reducing risk of myopia progression.

Other than behaviour modification, our optometrists can offer treatments that effectively reduce the rate of progression of myopia. The most commonly used are (click to read more):

• Orthokeratology
• Stellest Spectacle Lenses
• Low-dose Atropine Eye Drops