The rapid rise in myopia rates over the past few decades has become a growing concern for eye care professionals and public health experts worldwide. As a result, optometrists have a crucial role in addressing this issue by offering advice and myopia management in their practices.
Here are some reasons why optometrists need to be offering myopia management in their practices and why myopia management is so important:
Myopia rates are increasing: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), myopia will affect nearly 50% of the world's population by 2050. In some countries, myopia rates are already at epidemic levels. Optometrists who offer myopia management can play an essential role in addressing this growing problem.
Myopia can lead to serious complications: High myopia (severe short-sightedness) is associated with an increased risk of several eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, MMD (myopia macula degeneration) and retinal detachment. Myopia management can help reduce the risk of these complications and preserve vision in the long term.
Myopia can have a negative impact on quality of life: People with myopia may experience difficulties with everyday activities such as driving, working, and playing sports. Myopia management can help improve visual function and quality of life for patients.
Myopia management is effective: Several interventions are available for myopia management, including orthokeratology (overnight contact lenses), multifocal contact lenses, specialist spectacles, atropine eye drops, and behavioural modifications. Studies have shown that these interventions can be highly effective in slowing myopia progression.
Myopia management can be financially beneficial: Offering myopia management services can bring new revenue streams for practices, increasing patient retention and attracting new patients who are seeking these services. Additionally, myopia management can help reduce the long-term costs associated with treating sight-threatening complications of high myopia.
In conclusion, myopia management is an essential aspect of optometry practice. Optometrists who offer myopia management services can help address the growing problem of myopia, reduce the risk of sight-threatening complications, and improve the quality of life for their patients.
If you are a myopia specialist or eye care professional then why not join us in our quest to raise awareness and provide valuable, accurate information to parents? We are currently working on a portal to give you access to a number of digital resources, training, webinars and more. To learn more click here.
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