While myopia control is now considered the standard of care for our young short-sighted patients, it is still a relatively new movement in optometry, hence the science, knowledge and advice is continuing to evolve.
While anecdotally, I have known that some adults continue to progress, myopia control treatment has largely focused on children up until now.
Data shows that at least 10 percent of young adults develop myopia after the age of 20 years. With more than 30 percent of young adults progressing in one eye.
Risk factors for adult-onset Myopia
East Asian descent- 6x risk vs Europeans
Parental myopia – 60 percent increased risk of myopia onset and 25 percent increase in speed of progression for each myopic parent.
Women- 80 percent increased risk vs men with increased speed of progression
Reduced time outdoors
What do we now know about screen time and myopia?
Television viewing makes no difference to risk of myopia onset or progression
Computer use and prolonged close work such as writing at a desk increases risk
No evidence relating to font type, size or contrast.
Mobile phones- surprisingly due to their small screen size has actually proven to be mildy protective for children age 10 to 18 years! This is due to the varied focal length of the mobile phone versus the blur of the surrounding background. This peripheral blur is a preventative stimulus against the eye elongating and therefore reduces risk of myopia progression.
The latest advice
For both young children and adults, time outdoors, away from prolonged close work is recommended.
Have regular eye examinations (6-12 monthly) if you have the risk factors mentioned
If you are myopic, adopt a myopia control form of correction such as specialty spectacle lenses or contact lenses.