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Writer's pictureJaney Yee

Do You Know How Dry Eye Can Affect Myopia Management?




Nearsightedness, also referred to as myopia, is a widespread vision disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Understanding the link between myopia and dry eye is crucial, especially in juvenile patients because the disease can cause long-term visual issues.


When the eye does not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, dry eye results. More severe cases can result in irritation, redness, and hazy vision, while milder ones may not show any symptoms at all.


A longer than normal eyeball, which causes light from distant objects to be focused in front of the retina rather than directly onto it, is a common cause of myopia. If left untreated, distant vision will be blurry and the myopia will get worse.


Myopia is most common in children since their eyes are still developing. Myopia usually progresses more quickly during childhood and adolescence, so it's critical to spot any early symptoms. Dry eyes are also more commonly seen in children and teenagers because of their continual use of electronics. Today, kids and teenagers are complaining more of dry eyes.


It's crucial for optometrists to be aware of all their choices for managing dry eye in pediatric patients because the symptoms of dry eye can make it difficult to treat myopia.


The signs of dry eye, such as redness, itching, and the perception of having something in the eye, should be regularly examined in children with myopia. If dry eye is found, treatment, such as utilizing artificial tears, must be done concurrently with myopia control. Drugs like cyclosporine or Restasis may be used in extreme situations.


Overall, it's critical to understand the relationship between myopia and dry eye, especially in young patients. The successful implementation of myopia management strategies and the patient's eyesight being healthy for years to come depend on the early detection and treatment of dry eye.



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