Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is no longer just a simple refractive error. It has evolved into a global epidemic that requires our attention, particularly when it comes to managing its progression in children. In this blog post, we will explore why managing myopia is so important, share key takeaways from the 2024 Asia-Pacific Myopia Management Symposium, and explain how early action can safeguard your child’s vision and overall eye health.

The Growing Concern of Myopia

The prevalence of myopia has surged in recent years, particularly in Asia, where rates in some regions exceed 80% among school-aged children. This dramatic increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including:

• Prolonged Near Work: Increased screen time and academic demands.
• Limited Outdoor Activity: Lack of exposure to natural light.
• Genetic Predisposition: Children with one or both myopic parents are at higher risk.

Why is this a problem?
Unmanaged myopia doesn’t just mean stronger glasses as your child grows; it significantly raises the risk of severe eye diseases such as:

• Retinal detachment
• Myopic maculopathy
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts at an earlier age

These complications can lead to irreversible vision loss, making it imperative to control myopia progression during childhood.

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What We Learned at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Myopia Management Symposium

The 2024 Asia-Pacific Myopia Management Symposium, hosted by CooperVision, brought together leading experts to discuss the latest advancements in understanding and managing myopia. Here are some highlights:

1. Breakthrough Treatments in Myopia Management

Speakers emphasized the effectiveness of modern treatments in slowing down myopia progression:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Overnight lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day while slowing myopia progression.
• Specialized Contact Lenses: Daily wear lenses like MiSight® are FDA-approved for myopia control, offering both vision correction and treatment benefits.
• Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops: These have proven effective in reducing myopia progression with minimal side effects.
• Specialized Spectacle Lenses: Special lenses like MyoCare by Zeiss is backed by more than 2 decades of clinical research and successful application in East Asia can help control myopia progression.

2. The Power of Early Intervention

Experts agreed that the earlier myopia management begins, the better the outcomes. The critical age to start monitoring is between 6–12 years, as myopia often progresses rapidly during this time.

3. The Role of Lifestyle Changes

While clinical interventions are key, lifestyle changes also play a significant role:

• Encourage at least 2 hours of outdoor activity daily.
• Limit screen time, especially for recreational use.
• Teach children the 20-20-20 rule: Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of near work.

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Why Choose Our Myopia Management Services?

At our practice in Bayan Lepas, Penang, we specialize in helping children manage and control myopia progression through a comprehensive and personalized approach. Here’s what we offer:

1. Comprehensive Eye Exams: We go beyond measuring your child’s visual acuity; we assess the overall health of their eyes and identify early signs of myopia progression.
2. Customized Myopia Management Plans: Based on your child’s needs, we may recommend specialized glasses, specialized contact lenses, or other therapy.
3. Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Regular follow-ups ensure the treatment is effective and allows us to make adjustments as needed.

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The Cost of Doing Nothing

Without proper intervention, myopia can lead to:

• Higher costs in the long term (stronger glasses, potential surgical interventions).
• Increased risk of vision-threatening conditions later in life.
• Limitations in your child’s future career and lifestyle choices.

The earlier you act, the better the chances of slowing myopia progression and protecting your child’s vision.

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Take Action Today

The health of your child’s eyes is too important to delay. We invite you to bring your child to our practice for a comprehensive eye exam. During the visit, we’ll assess their visual needs, discuss myopia management options, and help you decide on the best course of action.

Together, we can safeguard your child’s future by addressing myopia today. Book an appointment now and give your child the gift of healthy vision for life.

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Ready to take the first step?
📞 Call us at 011-53377160
💻 Book an appointment with us here
📍 Visit us at on Google Maps

Don’t wait until it’s too late—start managing your child’s myopia today!