17/10/2025
JJ van Zyl Optometrists, is the leading provider of the Myopia control contact lens, THE , Cooper Vision contact lens, in THE Helderberg basin.
WHAT is Myopia, and HOW, do we reduce the risks?
Also, LOOK at my Patient's Testimonial on my YouTube channel - To SEE and HEAR, how effective our treatment regimen is!
Understanding Myopia and How to Control It
What is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is when distant objects appear blurry, while close-up objects remain clear. This condition is becoming more common, especially in children, and poses a long-term risk of vision loss. By 2050, it is estimated that half of the world’s population will be myopic, with over a billion people at risk of severe eye diseases like retinal detachment and macular degeneration.
Even mild myopia increases the risk of serious eye conditions, including:
• Double the risk of cataracts
• Triple the risk of retinal detachment
• Double the risk of myopic maculopathy
There is no safe level of myopia—every increase in prescription raises the lifetime risk of vision impairment.
Who is at Risk?
Children who develop myopia at a young age tend to experience faster progression. Risk factors include:
• Wearing glasses for distance vision before age 7
• Spending less than 90 minutes outdoors daily
• Spending more than 3 hours on near tasks (excluding schoolwork)
• Having binocular vision issues (e.g., weak focusing, poor convergence, intermittent exotropia)
Myopia progression slows down in early adulthood, usually stabilizing around age 24. However, not correcting myopia properly can make it worse.
What is Myopia Control?
Myopia control refers to treatments that slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children. Starting early—before age 9—has the biggest impact on reducing long-term risks. The goal is to keep myopia below -3.00D and axial eye length under 26mm to minimize eye disease risk.
How to Slow Down Myopia Progression
1. Outdoor Time – Spend at least 90 minutes daily outside. Sunlight helps regulate eye growth.
2. Limit Screen Time – Avoid excessive phone or tablet use, especially close to the eyes.
3. Proper Reading Habits – Keep reading materials at a comfortable distance, not too close.
Medical Interventions for Myopia Control
• MiSight Contact Lenses or Using Miyosmart Spectacle lenses
• Clinical trials show a between a 59% and 80% reduction in myopia progression.
• Diet & Nutrition
• Vitamin D: Helps regulate eye growth; obtained from sunlight and foods like fish and eggs.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil and flaxseeds, supports retinal health.
A combined approach—optical treatments plus lifestyle changes—offers the best protection against worsening myopia.
For more information:
• www.mykidsvision.org
• www.myopiaprofile.org
https://youtu.be/z4_Z-WERmDE?si=jJDe260p-tUkiIlm
