Complications of Nearsightedness

Myopia (also called nearsightedness) is the most common cause of impaired vision in people under age 40. In recent years, its prevalence is growing at an alarming rate. Globally, research suggests that in the year 2000, roughly 25 percent of the world’s population was nearsighted but by the year 2050, it’s expected that roughly half the people on the planet will be myopic. And more importantly, in the United States 42 percent of our population will be myopic in 2020 according to Essilor of America. (Essilor is a leading manufacturer of corrective lenses.)

In the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, there was a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on complications of myopia published prior to June 2019. Low, moderate, and high myopia were all associated with increased risks of the ocular health conditions of myopic macular degeneration (MMD), retinal detachment (RD), posterior subcapsular cataract, nuclear cataract, and open-angle glaucoma. The conclusion of this meta-analysis is that myopia results in a 100x increase in MMD; 3x higher risk of RD; 3x higher risk of cataract; and 2x risk of glaucoma. The risk begins with low amounts of myopia and increases in higher amounts. Lastly, the risks increase with age, with a significant increase in morbidity from age 55 years and older.

Myopia control through the use of Paragon CRT contact lenses can reduce the risk of these ocular diseases. Call our office and schedule an appointment today to see if you or your child is a candidate.