Optician India

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a prevalent visual condition affecting millions of children worldwide. In recent years, its prevalence has been on the rise, prompting concern among parents and healthcare professionals. As parents grapple with the challenges posed by their children's myopia, they often find themselves facing a complex dilemma. Balancing the immediate need for clear vision with the long-term implications of various treatment options can be a daunting task. This article aims to shed light on the parental dilemma surrounding myopia management and provide guidance for navigating this intricate terrain.

Understanding Myopia: Myopia is a refractive error characterized by the inability to see distant objects clearly. Children with myopia experience blurry vision when looking at objects in the distance, while their near vision remains relatively unaffected. The causes of myopia are multifactorial, influenced by genetic and environmental factors, such as excessive near work, lack of outdoor activities, and prolonged
digital device use.

The Parental Dilemma: Parents often find themselves caught in a dilemma when it comes to managing their child's myopia. On one hand, they want to ensure their child's immediate visual needs are met, allowing them to perform well in school and daily activities. On the other hand, they are concerned about the long-term consequences of myopia and its potential progression, which can lead to higher levels of myopia and associated eye health risks.

Treatment Options and Considerations:

1. Prescription Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: Traditional options for correcting myopia include prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. They provide immediate visual improvement but do not address the underlying progression of myopia.

2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K involves wearing specialized gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea and provide clear vision during the day. It offers a non- surgical alternative for managing myopia progression.

3. Multifocal Contact Lenses: These specialized contact lenses have different zones that correct both near and distance vision simultaneously. They have shown promising results in slowing down myopia progression.

4. Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been found to effectively slow down myopia progression. They are convenient to use but require ongoing monitoring and follow-up.

5. Shared Decision-Making: Navigating the parental dilemma requires a shared decision-making approach, involving open communication between parents, eye care professionals, and the child. Factors such as the child's age, myopia severity, lifestyle, and parental preferences should be considered when determining the most suitable treatment option.

6. Lifestyle Modifications: Alongside specific treatment options, implementing certain lifestyle modifications can help manage myopia progression. Encouraging outdoor activities, reducing screen time, practicing the 20-20-20 rule (taking breaks every 20 minutes and looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds), and ensuring good lighting and posture while using digital devices are all beneficial habits to adopt.

7. Progression management: Myopia often progresses during childhood and teenage years. Parents may be concerned about the potential long-term consequences of high myopia, such as an increased risk of eye diseases like retinal detachment or myopic macular degeneration. They may face the dilemma of choosing interventions, such as low-dose atropine eye drops or multifocal contact lenses, to slow down the progression of myopia.

8. Parental guilt: Some parents may experience guilt or self-blame when they learn that their child has myopia. They might wonder if their actions or lifestyle choices played a role in the development of the condition. It's essential for parents to understand that myopia has multiple contributing factors, including
genetics, environmental factors, and increasing near work activities.

9. Balancing screen time: Excessive screen time, particularly with smartphones, tablets, or computers, has been linked to an increased risk of myopia development and progression. Parents may face a dilemma in managing their child's screen time and finding the right balance between educational use and recreational activities that promote outdoor time and reduce near work-related strain.

When faced with these dilemmas, it's crucial for parents to consult with eye care professionals, such as optometrists or ophthalmologists, who can provide guidance and personalized recommendations based on the child's specific needs. They can help address concerns, educate parents about myopia management options, and create a plan to optimize their child's eye health and vision.

Conclusion: Clear vision is crucial for a child's overall development, and managing myopia presents a unique challenge for parents. The parental dilemma lies in striking a balance between meeting immediate visual needs and addressing the long-term implications of myopia progression. By understanding the available treatment options, considering individual factors, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, parents can make informed decisions to navigate the myopia landscape and promote their child's eye health and well-being.

To ensure the best course of action, it's crucial to consult with an eye care professional who specializes in pediatric optometry or myopia management. They can assess your child's specific situation, perform necessary tests, and recommend the most suitable treatment modality based on their professional expertise and your child's needs. Working closely with an expert in the field can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the journey of managing your child's myopia. Remember, early intervention and proactive management are key to preserving your child's vision and optimizing their long-term eye health.

References:
1. Dolgin E. The Myopia Boom. Nature. 2015;519:276–278 doi: 10.1038/519276a
2. Padmaja Sankaridurg,   Nina Tahhan,   Himal Kandel,   et.al.   IMI Impact of Myopia 2 Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2021 Apr; 62(5): 2.2021 Apr 28. doi: 10.1167/iovs.62.5.2
3. Lee Y.-Y., Lo C.-T., Sheu S.-J., Lin J.L. What Factors Are Associated with Myopia in Young Adults? A Survey Study in Taiwan Military Conscripts. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2013;54:1026–1033. doi: 10.1167/iovs.12-10480. 
4. Shuyu Xiong,  1 , 2  Padmaja Sankaridurg ,   et.al. Time spent in outdoor activities in relation to myopia prevention and control: a meta?analysis and systematic reviewActa Ophthalmol. 2017 Sep; 95(6): 551–566. Published online 2017 Mar 2. doi: 10.1111/aos.13403 PMCID: PMC5599950 PMID: 28251836
5. Low W, Dirani M, Gazzard G, Chan Y-H, Zhou H-J, Selvaraj P, et al. Family history, near work, outdoor activity, and myopia in Singapore Chinese preschool children. Br J Ophthalmol. 2010;94(8):1012–6. 10.1136/bjo.2009.173187 
6. Man L, Gwiazda JE, Manny R, Dong LM, Wang Y, Scheiman M, COMET Group Role of parental myopia in the progression of myopia and its interaction with treatment in COMET children. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2007;48(2):562–570. 
7. Feldkaemper M and Schaeffel F 2013 An updated view on the role of dopamine in myopia Exp. Eye Res. 114 106–19