Causes of myopia
Genetic factors
Your risk of developing myopia increases if you have a family history of the condition.
Environmental Factors
Spending long periods of time working close to your eyes, such as reading or using screens, and not spending enough time outdoors increases the risk of myopia.
Controlling Myopia
While corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses and contact lenses, can correct refractive errors, they do not slow the progression of myopia. Strategies for controlling myopia aim to slow its progression and include:
- Specialized prescription lenses: Certain designs have been developed to slow the progression of myopia in children.
- Contact lenses: Options include orthokeratological contact lenses (Ortho-K), which are worn during sleep to reshape the cornea, and soft lenses specifically designed to control the progression of myopia.
- Atropine drops: Low doses of atropine have been shown to be effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children.