Less screen time, more play time

The myopic individual is highly conditioned by his or her refractive defect. Myopia can be very limiting in terms of living a normal existence and has a severe impact on the day-to-day life of a significant part of the population, as this refractive defect is very common. While the current incidence in the Western world is around 30%, far lower than in the East, the trend is both upward and progressively increasing as a consequence of our use of near-field vision, according to Miranza’s specialists.

Tablets, mobile phones and computers are increasingly present in our daily lives, a fact that increases the prevalence of myopia. Therefore, our specialists from Miranza’s clinics offer a piece of advice for young people and parents alike, “less screen time, more play time”.

Advice from Miranza specialists

While myopia, like other refractive defects, cannot be prevented, it is possible to delay it or stop it from progressing so quickly. Our ophthalmologists offer some tips for this, as well as for maintaining maximum eye wellbeing and avoiding more serious eye problems.

1. Take breaks from viewing the screen and increase outdoor activity
2. Good habits: sleep, good nutrition, exercise and no smoking
3. Correct use and maintenance of contact lenses
4. Use of preservative-free eye drops to moisturise the ocular surface
5. Care for environmental conditions: light level, air conditioning, heating, etc.
6. Use sunglasses with approved lenses
7. Regular eye check-ups, especially for those over 45
8. Pay attention to family history
9. Adhere to treatments and do not postpone them (neither surgical nor pharmacological)

Myopic correction according to age and eye

In addition to these measures, myopia can be corrected at an early age by using prescription glasses. For children under 8, when vision is fully developed, regular check-ups are very important, as they allow any refractive defects or problems, such as lazy eye, strabismus, etc., to be detected and treated as soon as possible.

Once they enter their second decade of life, we can begin to consider surgical correction using laser or intraocular lenses, depending on the characteristics of each eye. From 50 to 55 onwards, when the crystalline lens begins to lose elasticity, giving rise to eyestrain and the emergence of cataracts, we may consider crystalline lens surgery, where intraocular lenses replace the eye’s natural lens.

Once they enter their second decade of life, we can begin to consider surgical correction using laser or intraocular lenses, depending on the characteristics of each eye. From 50 to 55 onwards, when the crystalline lens begins to lose elasticity, giving rise to eyestrain and the emergence of cataracts, we may consider crystalline lens surgery, where intraocular lenses replace the eye’s natural lens.