The Growing Epidemic of Myopia: What You Need to Know

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology and spends more time indoors, a growing epidemic of myopia, or nearsightedness, is affecting people of all ages. In fact, studies show that half of the world’s population could be myopic by 2050 if we don’t take steps to prevent it. But what is myopia, and why is it such a concern?

Myopia is a condition where objects in the distance appear blurry, while close objects are clear. It occurs when the eye grows too long, or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. Genetics play a role, but environmental factors such as spending too much time indoors, focusing on close-up objects, and not spending enough time outdoors in natural light can increase the risk of myopia developing and worsening.

While myopia is easily corrected with glasses, it can lead to more serious eye problems in the future, such as retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma. As a result, it’s essential to take steps to prevent myopia or slow its progression, especially in children.

One approach is to encourage children to spend more time outdoors in natural light, which has been shown to lower the risk of myopia. Another option is to use specialized lenses or orthokeratology (special contact lenses that reshape the cornea while you sleep) to slow the progression of myopia. Regular eye exams are also crucial to catch and treat myopia early, before it becomes a more significant problem.

Dr. Dolan and his team from 2020 Vision in Rochester Hills MI are experts in diagnosing and treating myopia. They offer the latest options for myopia control, including specialized lenses and orthokeratology. They can also provide comprehensive eye exams for both children and adults to catch myopia and other eye conditions early.

In conclusion, myopia is a growing epidemic that we need to take seriously. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to prevent or slow its progression. If you or someone you know is affected by myopia, contact Dr. Dolan and his team at 2020 Vision in Rochester Hills MI for expert care. Call them at 248-375-0040 to schedule an appointment today.