Myopia, a growing health problem
Tideman, J.W.L.; Polling, J.R.; van der Schans, A.; Verhoeven, V.J.M.; Klaver, C.C.W.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 160: D803
2016
ISSN/ISBN: 1876-8784 PMID: 27879184 Document Number: 689952
- Myopia is the eye disorder with the most rapid increase in prevalence worldwide. It develops in childhood, with a peak incidence between the ages of 13 to 15 years. - Especially high myopia, i.e. a refractive error of -6 diopters or more, increases the risk of permanent visual impairment during adulthood due to structural abnormalities of the retina and optic nerve.- The cause of myopia is complex. Lifestyle factors in childhood, such as limited time spent outdoors and close work - such as reading and smartphone usage - are risk factors. Furthermore, genetic studies have revealed more than 100 factors associated with the development of myopia. - Pharmacological and optical interventions to inhibit myopia progression are increasingly applied. The use of atropine eye drops in children and has shown to be an effective treatment.