MYOPIA CONTROL BY OPTICAL MEANS

Abstract

Myopia is a refractive anomaly that occurs when there is a discrepancy between the axial length of the eyeball and the refractive power of the cornea and lens. Myopia is a global challenge, the incidence of which is constantly increasing. Nowadays, over 30% of the world's population is myopic - in Europe every young person (25-29 years old), in East Asia over 80%. It is estimated that by 2050, the number of people with myopia will reach about 5 billion people. In recent years, a number of organizations have conducted studies related to myopia and its growth. Undercorrection has been shown to increase myopia. At this stage, both pharmacological (atropine) and optical methods are used to control myopia - bifocal and progressive glasses, multifocal contact lenses. The goal of modern optical methods is to create a "peripheral myopic defocus" that reduces the growth of the eyeball. Orthokeratology is another method that has demonstrated successful results in myopia control. During the period of May 2022 – May 2023 In an eye center in the city of Varna, a study was conducted to examine different methods of controlling myopia and to track its progression. The subjects of the study were 50 children between the ages of 10 and 16, diagnosed with myopia. A detailed medical history was taken from the patients and a detailed ophthalmological examination was performed, including autorefractometry, refraction, cycloplegia under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. After accurate determination of the refraction, 10 of the patients were fitted with monofocals (SV), 10 with PALS lenses, 10 with DIMS lenses, 10 with HALT lenses, and the remaining 10 with contact lenses, and after 6 months, all of them were called for a follow-up examination. After the control examinations, it was found that 55% (22 children) out of a total of 80% (40 children) with myopia control were affected by the placed means and slowed down the progression compared to those with monofocals. It has been proven that the growth of myopia can be influenced and controlled by various means according to the individual needs of the patient. The prevalence of myopia in children is increasing worldwide and is considered a major public health problem. This increase has sparked interest in research into the prevention and control of myopia in children. Research conducted over the last decade has shown and established the need and success of the methods used to control myopia. The use of dioptric lenses for spectacles with peripheral defocus, soft multifocal lenses with a distant design, orthokeratology and pharmacological agents (atropine drops) have proven to be practically applicable. Their successful impact on limiting myopia will continue to be investigated and innovative methods will be sought for their application in clinical practice. Future studies with a more detailed analysis of visual changes and in collaboration with industry will lead to the refinement of this type of vision correction device.