Brisbane's First Specialist Myopia Clinic : Da Rin Optometrist New Farm

Myopia

Myopia, commonly known as short sightedness, is characterised by an eye that has become elongated and consequently light from far objects passing through the eye is focused in front of the retina instead of on its surface. Usually myopia begins to develop in childhood and may become worse over the following years. More than just an inconvenience, myopia is a risk factor for a wide range of ocular diseases and without appropriate intervention is forecast to become a major public health concern due to its increasing incidence worldwide.

The cause of myopia has been widely researched in recent years and there is still much to learn, however, there are a number of myopia control strategies that have shown efficacy in slowing progression. These include Essilor Stellest spectacle lenses, orthokeratology (rigid contact lenses), MiSight soft daily disposable contact lenses and Atropine eye drops.

Myopia prevention strategies can help to reduce the progression of shortsightedness and consequently reduce the risk of later complications. A part of the examination is an axial length measurement of the eyes with the Haag Streit Lenstar, regularly performed measurements provide comprehensive data, tracking the progression of myopia. The data helps the optometrist, in addition to genetic and environmental influences, with advising the best form of treatment.

Please phone us to make an appointment and start the conversation about how we can best manage your myopia.

Contact your local Da Rin Optometrist for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is myopia?

Most people call myopia shortsightedness. Short-sighted people do not see distant objects clearly. The eye’s lens and cornea normally focus light into an image on the retina. In a myopic eye the light is focused in front of the retina and so the image is blurred.

How can I tell if I am short-sighted?

Short-sighted people have difficulty in seeing distant objects clearly. They find it hard to read road signs and scoreboards and to play ball games. Recognising people in the distance may be a problem for many short-sighted people. Often a person will not realise that they cannot see clearly but an eye examination by an optometrist will reveal the problem.

How can I tell if my child is short-sighted?

A complete eye test is the only sure way of determining whether your child’s vision is normal. Some clues to myopia in a child are:

screwing up eyes to see distant objects
difficulty reading the blackboard at school
poor posture while reading
lack of interest in playing outdoor games.

What causes myopia?

No-one knows for sure. At various times people have blamed excessive amounts of reading, poor metabolism, poor diet, poor light, poor posture ad genetic factors. Other people say it is a combination of all these things.

Can myopia be cured?

No, but properly prescribed spectacles or contact lenses will enable you to see clearly. Laser surgery to reshape the front surface of the eye can also help some people with myopia. Your optometrist can advise you about the latest developments and whether they would be suitable for you.

Can myopia be prevented?

There is no certain prevention for myopia but, in some cases, treatment can be prescribed to stop or slow its progression.

How common is myopia?

It is a very common condition. About 22 per cent of the population is short-sighted. Usually myopia begins to develop in teenage years and it may get worse over the following few years.

Eye Care

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