Why should we seriously consider myopia control? - ORTO-K

Currently, the number of myopic individuals in our society is increasing at an ever-increasing rate, and myopia is increasingly appearing at younger ages. The prevalence of myopia is increasing and is cumulative, resulting in an ever-increasing number of myopic individuals. This is a reality, and it is becoming a public health problem.

Myopia is increasing dramatically. In just two generations, it has gone from 10% to 15% to 40% to 45%. Around 35% of current university students in Europe are myopic, and it's also becoming more common at younger ages.

We are not only concerned about the progression of myopia, but if it increases excessively, that is, if it increases by 6 diopters or more (pathological myopia), the risk of suffering from eye diseases that are associated with myopia increases, such as: retinal detachment, early cataracts, glaucoma, myopic retinopathy, myopic maculopathy.

All of this damage can irreversibly impair vision. The cumulative risk increases with age. People with myopia won't see the results of their myopia until they are 40 or 50 years old. It's at this age that eye health problems are likely to begin, hence the importance of having myopia screening performed early.

Optometrists, as healthcare professionals, must inform their patients when they detect this abnormal progression or development. It is essential to provide information with the best and most appropriate solution for each case and recommend the best treatment, in order to address the rate of myopia progression. In this way, prevention can provide benefits both now and in the future, and avoid the risk of developing pathologies.