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From November 18 to 24, 2024, National Myopia Week returns to France to target this very common visual disorder. And yet, myopia is not inevitable. Against the current global epidemic, solutions are available to you.
Until November 24, this week promises to be that of myopia in France. A meeting which is organized this year around the slogan “Against myopia, I act !”.
Myopia, a global epidemic that may concern you
The state of affairs is worrying. According to many experts, the global epidemic of myopia continues to gain ground, year after year. “By 2050, half of humanity could become myopic if nothing is done to slow down its progression. announce the World Health Organization and Together Against Myopia.
France is far from being spared: in 2020, 40% of the population was affected. According to projections, this will be 60% in 2020. Let us also remember that today, one in 5 children in France suffers from myopia and 510,000 children aged 6 to 15 have progressive myopia.
However, myopia is not a simple vision disorder that requires the wearing of glasses. “It is a real disease which, in the absence of appropriate treatment, can lead to serious visual complications (retinal detachment, cataract…) or even, in the most serious cases, lead to blindness” recalls the association. To preserve the visual health of tomorrow’s young generations, it is therefore necessary to act.
General mobilization in sight for a whole week
This second edition of National Myopia Week invites everyone to act on a daily basis to stop this epidemic:
- By encouraging children to adopt good reflexes to limit their risks of myopia (more time outside, less screen time, etc.);
- By having their vision checked regularly;
- By discussing with eye care professionals the existing braking devices to prevent myopia in children from developing into serious forms in adulthood.
Keep your eyes peeled, because many actions are being implemented throughout France, such as information and myopia screening actions.
What are the long-term correction solutions?
Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, the omnipresence of screens and limited time spent outdoors also contribute to this silent epidemic. But are there long-term corrective solutions to stop this development?
According to the Voltaire Institute, an institute of refractive surgery, laser surgery is the one that promises the best progress. “Techniques such as LASIKTransPKR and PKR make it possible to reshape the cornea, thus permanently correcting the vision defect. The procedure is quick, often completed in less than 15 minutes, and the visual recovery is impressive, allowing patients to return to their activities the next day.”
Another technique called SMILE PRO, performed with the VisuMax 800 laser, is also revolutionizing the correction of myopia. “Unlike other methods, it is minimally invasive instead of cutting out the entire cornea, it extracts a tiny disk of tissue in just 10 seconds. This process significantly reduces postoperative pain and accelerates recovery, while guaranteeing stable and lasting correction.
However, it is crucial to note that refractive surgery is not suitable for all patients, the institute recalls. Rigorous ophthalmological monitoring before and after the procedure is necessary to guarantee the stability of the correction and minimize the risk of complications.
Prevention and awareness remain essential
Although laser surgery is a reliable correction option, prevention remains crucial to slow the progression of myopia from an early age. Studies show that lack of natural light plays a significant role in the development of myopia.
Encouraging children and adolescents to spend more time outdoors, limit their screen time, and take regular breaks when using electronic devices are simple and effective measures to reduce risks.
Regular screening is also essential to identify early signs of myopia.
Slide: What causes (and worsens) myopia?