Myopia develops when the eyeball is longer than average or the eye's optical system causes images to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision. In children, myopia often progresses, particularly during school years.

Doctor Phung Van Thanh, a Master of Science from the High-Tech Eye Center at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, noted that various methods are available to manage myopia. These aim to slow its progression and curb eyeball elongation.

Reduce near vision time, increase outdoor activities

Individuals with myopia should adjust their daily routines, focusing on reducing near vision activities and increasing time outdoors. While it is not necessary to completely avoid reading or using electronic devices, it is advisable to limit continuous near vision for extended periods, avoid leaning too close, and ensure adequate time for eye relaxation.

Spending approximately two hours outdoors daily can help reduce the risk of myopia onset and slow its progression in children.

Doctor Thanh examines a boy's eyes. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.*

Atropine eye drops

Doctor Thanh explained that atropine, an anticholinergic agent, reduces the activity of muscarinic receptors in the eye. This action limits the eye's accommodative response, consequently slowing the increase in axial length and restricting myopia progression.

Atropine may cause side effects such as glare, pupil dilation, near vision discomfort, or reduced accommodation, particularly at higher concentrations. Consequently, individuals with myopia should not self-medicate with atropine. A doctor will determine the appropriate concentration and treatment duration based on the patient's age, rate of myopia progression, and overall eye condition.

Myopia control spectacle lenses

Myopia control spectacle lenses are specialized eyeglasses that enable children to see clearly, similar to conventional glasses, while simultaneously slowing myopia progression. Unlike single vision lenses, which primarily correct refractive errors to ensure images focus precisely on the retina, these lenses incorporate unique optical zones outside the central viewing area, often featuring a system of micro-lenslets.

Doctor Thanh highlighted HALT (highly aspherical lenslets target) technology as a prominent example. These lenses feature numerous highly aspherical micro-lenslets positioned around the central viewing area. They are engineered to generate optical signals in the peripheral retina, which can help decelerate axial elongation and myopia progression.

Nighttime corneal reshaping contact lenses (Ortho-k)

Nighttime contact lenses, also known as orthokeratology or Ortho-k, are specialized gas-permeable rigid contact lenses designed to temporarily reshape the cornea. Wearing Ortho-k lenses overnight gently reshapes the cornea, allowing individuals to achieve clear vision throughout the day without needing eyeglasses or conventional contact lenses.

Beyond providing clear daytime vision without glasses, Ortho-k can also slow myopia progression in some children. Long-term control of myopia progression can mitigate the risks associated with high myopia. However, Ortho-k lenses should not be acquired or used without professional guidance; a comprehensive eye examination is essential to determine the appropriate lens type.

Red light therapy

According to Doctor Thanh, repeated low-level red light (RLRL) therapy is an emerging method under investigation for myopia control. This therapy involves directing red light, approximately 650 nm in wavelength, into the eyes. It is believed to enhance blood flow, improve retinal oxygenation, and increase choroidal thickness, thereby potentially limiting axial elongation.

In 2022, the Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center at Tongji University, in collaboration with other ophthalmology centers in China, conducted a study on 192 children aged 6-16 with severe myopia. Following a 12-month observation period, the findings indicated that low-energy red light therapy, administered twice daily, could slow myopia progression.

Before implementing any myopia control strategy, a comprehensive eye examination and evaluation by an ophthalmologist are crucial. This assessment will determine the eye's condition, the rate of myopia progression, and other relevant factors. Furthermore, ongoing treatment requires regular monitoring to allow for timely adjustments when necessary.

Minh Duong