Myopia Management in Childhood Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences What is Myopia? Myopia is an eye condition usually characterised by excessive elongation of the eyeball, resulting in image defocus in front of the retina. Myopia usually starts in a child or teenager, and it continues to progress as the child grows. It stabilises in most cases when the child stops growing in their late teens.
Are there problems associated with myopia? Apart from the inconvenience of having to wear glasses, high myopia is also associated with increased risks of potentially blinding eye diseases in adulthood, such as myopic macular degeneration, retinal tears, retinal detachments, staphylomas, cataracts and glaucoma. When to start consultation? Early diagnosis and management of myopia can be important to eye health. As myopia progresses more quickly in young children, it is advisable to:
Genetics, environmental factors and individual characteristics can all contribute to this excess growth. The prevalence of myopia in Singapore is among the highest in the world, with an estimated 25% in preschoolers, rising to over 75% in teens. This is 3-4 times higher than countries such as the United States.
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Screen children at least once between ages 4-6 to establish baseline measurements
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Examine myopic children regularly to monitor the speed of progression.
What to expect in myopia management? Myopia management involves long-term evaluation, treatment, and consistent monitoring of the condition.
Evaluation A comprehensive eye examination can include: •
Visual acuity
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Intraocular pressure measurement
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Objective and subjective refraction (with cycloplegia if necessary)
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Axial length measurement
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Binocular vision assessment
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Colour vision
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Pupil Response
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Ocular anterior segment examination
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Ocular posterior segment examination
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Supplemental testing as indicated
Treatment Various treatment methods have been scientifically proven to slow down myopia progression, including medication (atropine eye drops), myopia control spectacles, multifocal contact lenses and orthokeratology. The most effective method, atropine eye drops, has been shown to slow down the rate of myopia progression by an average of 50-70% (depending on concentration). Our consultant will review and personalise a suitable treatment approach based on the individual’s age, lifestyle, motivation, severity of myopia status and ocular characteristics. Monitoring Myopia treatment application and efficacy should be closely monitored on a regular basis once initialised or modified. Monitoring treatment efficacy is crucial in identifying possible difficulties and risks, allowing modification to support the most effective and safe therapy for each individual. Please discuss with your ophthalmologist or eye care provider if you have any further questions.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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