Myopia Overview

Definition and Implications

Myopia is a refractive condition that causes blurry distance vision due to the length of the eye being too long. It is the most common refractive condition, as well as the most common cause of avoidable blindness worldwide.

Myopia has hereditary roots, as well as environmental or lifestyle factors. Because myopia progresses with axial elongation, highly myopic patients are put at even more risk for ocular conditions that can result in permanent vision loss. It can lead to pathological myopia, which increases risks of myopic maculopathy, retinal detachment, glaucoma, choroidal neovascularization, and cataracts.

Myopia Epidemic and Clinical Approaches

The myopia epidemic is undoubtedly a global public health concern; even beyond the individual sight-threatening implications are those linked to the world-wide economic and social costs. Generally speaking, Asian populations are more affected than Caucasional populations are currently.

 

 

 

It has been estimated that 50% of the world’s population will be myopic by the year 2050, projecting 10% to have high myopia. With increasing global awareness, treatment approaches have drastically changed.

Role of Itropine

Itropine is a well tolerated therapeutic option in myopia control. Younger children can be candidates, in addition to those who may not be good fits for other more intensive modalities. This leaves a unique space to start myopia treatment sooner as early intervention, especially as nearsightedness is causing detrimental ramifications generation to generation.

The indication for Itropine is that it diminishes refractive error progression in myopes. Its long term advantages include minimizing risks for pathological myopia, as well as improving overall uncorrected visual acuity outcomes.