Sydney CBD NSW

Why should we worry about myopia?

Myopia is becoming more prevalent in the world and the higher the myopia, the more chance one has of contracting various eye diseases such as;

• Retinal detachment- where the retina pulls away from the eyeball.
• Myopic maculopathy- here the centre of the retina is stretched so much that you lose central vision. This is probably the most sinister complication of increasing myopia as it cannot be treated.
• Glaucoma- this condition causes peripheral visual field loss vision.
• Cataract- here the lens of the eye becomes cloudy.

What can be done to potentially slow myopia progression?

Fortunately there has been a lot of scientific and clinical research lately and a number of things can be done that can help slow the progression of myopia.

Visual Hygiene Tips

The Sydney Myopia Study indicated that 2 hours per day spent outdoors is protective against myopia progression. It is not clear whether more time spent looking into the distance, light induced changes in dopamine levels, or alteration in Vitamin D levels is behind the mechanism for this observation.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology involves using contact lenses to reshape the cornea to temporarily correct or reduce myopia. Custom-made, oxygen permeable, contact lenses are worn overnight, which subtly alter the shape of the cornea enough to give clear vision after the lenses are removed and throughout the day.

Orthokeratology, which has become more popular in recent years, aims to also correct peripheral optics while providing clear central vision. Research supports a 35% to 63% reduction in myopia progressing over at least 2 years. Orthokeratology works best on controlling mild to moderate myopia (up to -4.00DS) and minimal astigmatism.

Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine treatment (1%) has the largest body of evidence supporting it of all treatments. It has been used by optometry and ophthalmology in various parts of the world over the last 50 years.

It is the most effective treatment. However there are some side effects such as glare outside and near blur. This can be treated with sunglasses and hat outdoors and multifocal lenses for near work, or transition multifocal spectacles if required.

It has recently been found that, diluted 0.01% Atropine eye drops, also slow myopia though to a lesser extent when compared to 1% Atropine. The advantage of these drops is that side effects are minimised. Currently 0.01% Atropine eye drops are only available at compounding pharmacies and are more costly.

Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are a special type of contact lens which have different powers in different zones of the lenses. There is an understanding that peripheral retinal blur may contribute to myopia progression. By correcting the central vision and the peripheral retinal blur simultaneously, myopia progression may be slowed in children. Contact lens wear carries the need for responsible care of the lenses and careful hygiene. Soft multifocal contact lenses are generally worn during the day and should be worn most days of the week if attempting myopia control.

Multifocal Spectacles

This is the least effective method of myopia control and only works in certain cases. There is some evidence that bifocal glasses can slow myopia progression.

If you need to know more about myopia progression and the management of the same please call us on (02) 8422 5700 and make an appointment.

How do I know I have this?

Usually the first awareness comes through having to change your spectacle prescription too frequently and from not achieving good vision even when the best spectacle correction is worn.

What causes it?

There does not appear to be any single cause for keratoconus. Our recent research has confirmed that allergy and frequent eye rubbing are commonly found among people with keratoconus.

If you have this condition?

Please come in for a full assessment of your eyes and vision. There are a number of special tests we can perform to determine or confirm if you have keratoconus including computerised video-keratoscopy.

This is the most modern and sensitive means of detecting the characteristic corneal shape changes. If keratoconus is confirmed, we will discuss the alternative options for your management in order that the best possible management is maintained. If you have any questions we will be please to discuss them with you.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms can include persistent dryness, scratching, redness, burning and sometimes excessive watering as the tears produced fail to wet the cornea properly. Dry eyes are typically worse in the evening.

You may have Dry Eye if you are experiencing:

• Sore, gritty eyes
• Itchy or irritated eyes
• Inflamed eyelids
• Faintly diffuse red eyes
• The urge to blink hard frequently
• Constantly runny eyes

What Are the Causes?

Dry Eye syndrome has several causes:

1. Our eyes are sensitive to our environment. If the air condition blows air too hard or if it is windy, naturally it dries up the surface of our eyes and causes irritations
2. Allergic conditions such as hay fever
3. Hormonal changes with age or certain medication use
4. Our eye lid skin becoming loose with age can mean the tears aren't held well and thus lead to dry eyes
5. Not blinking enough and blinking partially so only half our eyes are covered
6. Contact lens wearers also suffer from dry eyes more towards the end of the day as the lens reduces oxygen to the eyes

What Treatment is Available?

While the syndrome may not be completely curable (depending on the cause), the symptoms can be managed with the use of lubricating eye drops, gels and ointments. Your optometrist will advise you of the best option to help you obtain comfortable, clear vision again.

Recommended to relieve symptoms of Meibomian, Gland Dysfunction and associated diseases. In standardised conditions, Blephasteam® provides moisture and heat therapy. This dual action melts the meibomian secretions and obstruction.

What Else Can I do to Relieve Dry Eye?

Watch what you eat and drink

Drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated, eat plenty of food that is rich in vitamins A, C and E, and get plenty of sleep to keep your eyes healthy. Modify your work or home environment to improve humidity and avoid airflow drafts that can dry out your tear film.

Warm compresses at home

You can heat up the eyelid margin by getting a towel hot enough to tolerate and leaving on top of your eyes closed for about two minutes every night.

Once the eyelids have been warmed, with your fingers, for your lower eye lids gently roll upwards to the lash margins and for your upper lids gently roll downwards. It has to be done at least 4-5days/every week for 2-3 weeks to notice a difference! But this is one of the most effective measures found by ocular experts.

Bruder Heat Mask

This system combines a soft mask with disposable warm packs for the application of localized heat therapy to the eyelids treating. In addition to a relaxing sensation, the warmth is known to improve the flow of natural oils in the glands in the eyelids.