What is Myopia?
For people who are myopic, near objects are clear while distant objects appear blurry. This is usually because the eye becomes too long to focus correctly.
Myopia, or short-sightedness, has become worryingly prevalent and has reached epidemic levels. An estimated 2.5 billion people will be affected worldwide by 2020*.
The condition is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. So, a child is more likely to develop myopia if one or both of their parents have the condition, but the recent prevalence cannot be explained by genetics alone.
Unfortunately, a childhood diagnosis of myopia means life-long eye care and, worse still, the condition brings with it a higher risk of developing serious eye conditions, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.
Myopia Prevention
Research indicates that children who are genetically predisposed to myopia (children with short-sighted parents) can reduce their chances of developing the condition by increasing the amount of time they spend outdoors.
It is believed that natural, outdoor light on the retina protects the eye from lengthening and therefore becoming myopic.
Around 14 hours a week spent outdoors has been shown to reduce the chance of a person becoming myopic – even in overcast weather.
Unfortunately, once a child becomes short-sighted, the amount of time spent outdoors ceases to impact on the eye, so exposure to natural light is only preventative. It should however, be considered from as early in a child’s life as possible.
Contrary to previous theories, excessive homework or reading are not factors that contribute to the onset of myopia.
Myopia Control
There is, as yet, no cure for myopia. The physical change of the elongated eyeball cannot be reversed (even laser-eye surgery can’t do this) and that’s why myopia control is so important.
The aim is to slow down, or halt, the progression of myopia, and this is becoming increasingly effective, especially in children and teenagers.
Orthokeratology is playing a key role in myopia control all over the world. Recent studies have indicated that myopia develops at a much slower rate, and can even be halted, in children fitted with orthokeratology lenses.
The results vary for each individual child, but most experts maintain that these lenses are the best available option for children suffering from myopia.
Introducing EyeDream
EyeDream is a form of orthokeratology. These groundbreaking lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the front of the eye. In the morning, the lenses are removed, and the wearer can enjoy crisp, corrected vision all day. EyeDream lenses are effective, affordable and have proved life-changing for thousands of people.
EyeDream wearers enjoy many benefits, including:
• The best opportunity to reduce or halt the progression of myopia and avoid the risk of future complications with vision
• The freedom to swim, play sports and enjoy an active lifestyle without the restriction of specs and lenses
• Piece of mind for parents – lenses are worn at night and at home so lens wear and care can be monitored and there is no need to worry about lost specs or contacts
The Science
EyeDream lenses gently reshape the curvature of the eye overnight, creating a slightly flatter cornea. The cornea plays a key role in creating a sharp, optical focus.
Upon waking, the slight change in cornea curvature is enough to create clear, sharp vision for the duration of the day. In addition, it is believed that the refocusing of light on the peripheral retina slows down the progression of myopia in children.
EyeDream uses a tried-and-tested design that has been in use since 2002, and is only ever performed by an optical specialist trained in corneal topography. It is non-invasive, comfortable and safe.
Who is Suitable for EyeDream?
EyeDream is recommended for patients with mild to moderate myopia:
• A spherical spectacle description of -0.75D up to -5.00D
• Astigmatism of up to -2.50D
Ask your EyeDream certified practitioner for a suitability consultation or visit our website for more information, including videos and patient stories.
www.eyedreamlenses.co.uk
EyeDream Myopia Control Brochure