Myopia: 3 tips to fight it and have a better vision | Science and health

The number of people with this type of visual impairment is so high that the World Health Organization (WHO) is beginning to consider it an epidemic in many countries.

About 35% of the world's population is expected to have myopia by 2020 and 52% by 2050.

People with this disease have good near vision, but have difficulty seeing which means that they can read books or see images on the computer screen, for example, but by far, their vision is blurred.

Myopia causes problems not only because of direct damage to the retina, but also because it increases the risk of cataracts and glaucoma – and, in extreme cases, to lead to blindness.

The complications badociated with it have a high social and economic cost.

According to the Australian research institute Brien Holden Vision Institute, in a report approved by the WHO, certain measures and treatments may help slow the increase in diopter – l '. unit of measurement that determines the degree of myopia.

1 – Outdoor Activities

There is evidence that time spent outdoors can delay the onset and possibly reduce the progression of myopia.

In a study cited in the report, it was observed that the incidence of new cases of myopia had been significantly reduced in one year – by about 50% – when the time spent in Outside was increased by 80 minutes a day until children between 7 and 11 years old.

"We do not yet know what mechanism exactly gives a protective effect to outdoor activities, but we imagine that in this state, the eye is accustomed to focusing on distant objects", explains Alfredo García Layana, Clinical Ophthalmology Specialist of the University of Navarre.

Experts also report activities that increase the propensity for myopia.

"People who read a lot, write a lot, or work on the computer are more likely to develop it, and the time a person spends playing a game or watching television may also have an influence. ", explain the experts. from the Mayo Clinic on their website.

The application of low doses of atropine eye drops is indicated as an effective measure to reduce the increase in myopia.

According to the WHO, a dose of 0.01% would have little side effects. The Organization cites a study in which the use of this proportion reduced by 50% the progression of myopia in children 6 to 9 years old.

When administered daily in low doses, atropine sufficiently stimulates the eye muscles to control myopia and prevent its progression.

"Atropine is indicated in children with myopia while continuing their developmental stage, when the eyeball continues to grow," says Garcia Layana.

According to the specialist, this medicine is not available for the general public and, like any other, should only be used on prescription.

3 – Glbades and orthokeratology

There is evidence that multifocal glbades can slightly reduce the rate of progression of myopia. Bifocal lenses, in turn, are badociated with substantially larger reductions.

But there is another method to combat myopia: it is the orthokeratology, a non-surgical treatment that reduces myopia.

Orthokeratology involves the use of rigid contact lenses at night.

There is evidence that "the use of these lenses at night flattens the cornea, allowing the eye to focus better throughout the day." In addition to this optical effect, some studies suggest that orthokeratology could also slow the progression of myopia. "says García Layana.

However, it is the most expensive method of all. A pair of these lenses costs between $ 800 and $ 1,500 (about $ 3,120 and $ 5,850).