Myopia and Peripheral Defocus
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision problem affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the shape of the eye causes light rays to bend incorrectly, resulting in a blurry image at distance.
The prevalence of myopia has been increasing rapidly in recent years, particularly among children. This rise is attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as increased screen time and reduced outdoor activities.
As children grow, their eyes continue to develop, which can sometimes result in an elongation of the eye's shape. This change causes light to focus in front of the retina, leading to blurry vision at a distance. If left unaddressed, myopia can progress, leading to a higher risk of developing serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal detachment.
Peripheral defocus refers to the way light rays are focused on the peripheral retina, the region surrounding the central retina. When correcting myopic eyes using traditional spectacle lenses, while the central retina received a clear image, the peripheral retina tends to experience hyperopic (farsighted) defocus, meaning that light rays focus behind the retina. Researchers believe that this peripheral hyperopic defocus may stimulate eye growth and contribute to the progression of myopia.
Correcting peripheral defocus has emerged as a promising strategy to slow down the progression of myopia in children. Various optical interventions have been developed to address this issue, including specially designed contact lenses and eyeglasses. These innovative solutions aim to provide clear central vision while simultaneously reducing the hyperopic defocus on the peripheral retina.
By managing peripheral defocus, these interventions send a signal to the eye that discourages excessive growth, thus reducing the progression of myopia. Numerous studies have shown that children who use such devices experience a slower rate of myopia progression compared to those using traditional corrective lenses.
By leveraging innovative optical solutions that correct peripheral defocus, we can help slow down the progression of myopia and potentially reduce the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life.
