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UNDERSTANDING MYOPIA PROGRESSION, COVID IMPACT, AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS: INSIGHTS FROM DR. ADITYA SETHI, PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGIST AT ARUNODAYA DESERET EYE HOSPITAL (ADEH)

Updated: May 29

Welcome to the Arunodaya Deseret Eye Hospital (ADEH) blog, where we explore crucial aspects of myopia, its progression, the impact of COVID, and various management options. As an expert, Pediatric Ophthalmologist, Dr. Aditya Sethi is here to provide valuable insights and recommendations to ensure optimal eye health for your children.


UNDERSTANDING MYOPIA:

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. It is a prevalent condition, especially among children, and its prevalence has been on the rise in recent years.


PROGRESSION OF MYOPIA:

The progression of myopia in children can be a cause for concern as it can lead to severe nearsightedness and potential vision complications later in life. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits, and increased screen time have been linked to the rapid progression of myopia.


Impact of COVID on Children’s Eye Health:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, children’s eye health faced unique challenges due to increased screen time from online learning and reduced outdoor activities. These changes in lifestyle may have contributed to the exacerbation of myopia progression in some cases.


Management Options:

As a parent or guardian, it is crucial to be proactive in managing myopia and safeguarding your child’s eye health. Dr. Aditya Sethi recommends the following management options:


  1. Regular Eye Check-ups: Schedule routine eye check-ups to monitor your child’s vision and detect any changes early on.

  2. Limit Screen Time: Encourage your child to take regular breaks from screens, follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), and engage in outdoor activities.

  3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This non-surgical option involves wearing special contact lenses at night to reshape the cornea, temporarily correcting myopia.

  4. Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have shown promising results in slowing down myopia progression in some children.

  5. Multifocal Eyeglasses: Specially designed multifocal glasses can help reduce the rate of myopia progression.


What are we doing differently at Arunodaya? Special MYOPIA GLASSES, max output no side effects: 


  1. DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) Lenses:

DIMS lenses are a promising development in the field of myopia management. These specialized spectacle lenses have multiple segments with varying power distributions. The design of DIMS lenses aims to control the progression of myopia in children.


How DIMS Lenses Work:

The different segments of DIMS lenses create zones of myopic defocus and peripheral myopic defocus. The zones of myopic defocus help to slow down the elongation of the eye, which is a primary factor in myopia progression. By altering the distribution of defocus on the retina, DIMS lenses provide a novel approach to managing myopia in children.


2. HALT (Halo Aberration Limiting Treatment) Glasses:

HALT glasses are another innovative myopia management option. They are designed to reduce the occurrence of halos and glare experienced by individuals who have undergone LASIK or other refractive surgeries. However, HALT glasses have also shown potential in myopia control.


How HALT Glasses Work:

The design of HALT glasses incorporates a specific lens profile that minimizes the occurrence of halos and glare by reducing higher-order aberrations. Additionally, these glasses are known to improve contrast sensitivity, enhancing visual clarity.


  3. Contact Lenses for Myopia Management:

Contact lenses have been used for myopia management with various approaches, such as orthokeratology (Ortho-K) and multifocal contact lenses.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):


Ortho-K contact lenses are rigid gas-permeable lenses that are worn overnight. They reshape the cornea temporarily, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K has shown effectiveness in slowing down myopia progression, making it a popular choice among children and their parents.


Multifocal Contact Lenses:

Multifocal contact lenses are soft lenses that have different powers in different zones. Similar to multifocal eyeglasses, these lenses enable clear vision at various distances. Studies have shown that certain multifocal contact lenses can help slow the progression of myopia in children.


It is essential to consult with a qualified eye care professional, such as a Pediatric Ophthalmologist like Dr. Aditya Sethi at ADEH, to determine the most suitable myopia management option for each child’s specific needs and eye health.

Remember, early intervention and regular eye care play a significant role in managing myopia and preserving healthy vision for the future. Stay proactive and informed about the available options to make the best decisions for your child’s eye health.


CONCLUSION:

As a fellowship-trained Pediatric Ophthalmologist at ADEH, Dr. Aditya Sethi emphasizes the importance of early intervention and regular eye care in managing myopia progression. With the right approach and awareness, we can protect our children’s eyesight and promote healthy vision for their future.

Remember to consult with a qualified eye care professional to determine the most suitable management options for your child’s specific needs. Together, let’s prioritize eye health and combat myopia for a brighter tomorrow.






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