by Vision problems such as Myopia and Presbyopia are quite common these days due to changing lifestyles and increased use of digital devices. While Myopia, also known as near-sightedness, affects people of all age groups, Presbyopia is an age-related condition that makes close-up vision difficult.
Causes of Myopia and Presbyopia
Myopia
– Genetics: There is a strong genetic link to Myopia development. If parents are nearsighted, their children are more likely to develop Myopia as well.
– Excessive close work: Spending long hours reading, using computers or looking at mobile screens without giving the eyes enough breaks can cause Myopia in school-going children and young adults.
– Lack of outdoor activity: Spending lesser time playing outdoors is associated with higher chances of Myopia. Exposure to natural sunlight is believed to protect against nearsightedness.
Presbyopia
– Ageing of the eye: As we grow older, the lens inside our eyes stiffens and loses flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. This age-related hardening of the lens is the primary cause of Presbyopia.
– Other factors: Diabetes, disorders affecting eye muscles or eyes damaged due to injuries are also known to accelerate the onset of Presbyopia.
Treatment options for Myopia and Presbyopia
Myopia Treatment
– Corrective lenses: Prescription glasses or contact lenses are the most common treatment methods to correct refractive errors and improve distance vision in Myopia patients.
– Eye exercises: Specific eye exercises are available that aim to strengthen ciliary muscles and delay further progression of myopia in children. However, their effectiveness is still debated.
– Orthokeratology: Overnight corneal reshaping contact lenses are used to temporarily flatten the cornea and reduce nearsightedness during waking hours.
– Refractive surgery: For adults with stable refractory errors, LASIK (laser eye surgery) is a permanent treatment option. Other surgeries like LASEK and PRK are also done.
Presbyopia Treatment
– Reading glasses: Bifocals or progressive addition lenses allow clear vision at different distances and are the most common solution for Presbyopia.
– Contact lenses: Multifocal contact lenses incorporate different optical powers to facilitate near, intermediate and far vision.
– Monovision technique: One eye is corrected for distance and the other for near with this method of contact lenses or refractive surgery.
– Presbyopia corrective surgery: Corneal incisions, lens implants or injections are done to restore flexibility of the eye lens and reduce dependence on glasses.
Managing Myopia and Presbyopia
Following proper eye care habits and lifestyle changes play an important role in managing progressive vision disorders:
– Monitor screentime and practice 20-20-20 rule where you look at distance after every 20 minutes of close work.
– Increase time spent outdoors, especially for kids with Myopia. Sunlight could help slow down nearsighted progression.
– Monitor for new prescriptions as eyesight changes with age even after refractive surgeries for Myopia or Presbyopia.
– Manage existing medical conditions like diabetes that could worsen age-related eye changes.
– Wear protective gear like glasses while playing sports or doing activities at risk of eye injuries.
– Quit smoking which is linked to higher risk of developing Myopia as well as cataracts later in life.
In summary, Myopia and Presbyopia affect vision due to biological and lifestyle factors. While corrective lenses and contact lenses remain the first line of treatment, new technologies as refractive surgeries also provide permanent solutions. Following proper eye care habits is important long-term management of both these common vision disorders.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
