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Myopia – Prevention and treatment
Can we prevent myopia? |
No method scientifically validated does not prevent or slow the progression of myopia7 et no clinical trial conclusive has not been published, although several drugs have been tested, including so-called “anti-muscarinic” drugs. Although no studies show that it is possible to prevent myopia, it seems that children who play a lot outside are less likely to become nearsighted. It is therefore recommended to find a balance between outdoor activities and activities such as reading or video games, if only for the general well-being and physical health of the child. Nearsighted people should benefit from a ophthalmologic follow-up (or optometric in Quebec) regular to readjust the visual correction as it should if the sight changes, but also to prevent serious complications of myopia. The ophthalmologist will examine the fundus of the eye to ensure, in particular, that there is no detachment of the retina. |
The treatment of myopia is based on:
- vision correction by eyeglasses (divergent concave glasses);
- a correction by corneal lenses (there are many kinds: flexible or rigid, monthly, daily, or longer);
- un surgical treatment (refractive surgery by radial or laser keratotomy), provided that the myopia is stabilized.
The ophthalmologist will prescribe suitable glasses or lenses to correct your vision. Note that in Quebec, the optometrist is also authorized, and that in France, the optician can renew the optical equipment after a visual examination with a prescription valid for 3 years, under certain conditions. THE’visual examination will control the quality of vision, the medical check carried out by the ophthalmologist will prevent possible eye diseases.
Glasses or lenses may or may not be worn permanently, depending on the degree of myopia. In the event of low myopia, it may only be necessary to wear them when driving or going to the movies.
Surgical treatment
La refractive surgery allows myopia to be corrected by reshaping or “planing” the cornea, most often with a laser, to force the image to form on the retina and not in front of it.
The operation is painless (embarrassing at most) and is performed very quickly, in an hour or less. Vision improves immediately, but eye discomfort may persist for a few days.
The different operating modes are as follows1 :
- Le LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis). This is by far the most widely used technique. The surgeon cuts a small “flap” on the cornea, using a laser or an ophthalmic instrument. He lifts it up and then removes thickness from the cornea to correct its curvature, using a laser beam. The cover, or shutter, is put back in place and then heals quickly.
- La PRK, also called photorefractive keratectomy or surface excimer laser. This technique modifies the curvature of the cornea by removing tiny fragments with a laser, after having “brushed” the outer layer of the cornea, very thin (the epithelium). THE’epithelium is restored naturally after the operation.
- Le LASEK (Laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis). Rather than cutting a flap in the cornea, the surgeon peels off the epithelium on the surface of the cornea. Unlike PRK, the epithelium is then put back in place. An eye patch should be worn for a few days to promote healing.
- The intraocular implants are lenses implanted directly in the eye, under the cornea, in front of or behind the iris. The implant is effective in correcting severe myopia which cannot be operated on by refractive surgery (often because the cornea is too thin to be “planed”).