In addition to glasses, lenses and lasers, new means are being developed to treat myopia.
- It is estimated that one in two Europeans will be myopic in 2050.
- Atropine, orthokeratology and brake lenses constitute new techniques to slow the progression of myopia.
- “Surgical interventions for highly myopic patients, even the simplest ones such as cataracts, require specific expertise,” explains Professor Ramin Tadayoni, head of the ophthalmology department at the Rothschild Foundation Hospital.
While cases of myopia are increasing sharply throughout Europe, the French Institute of Myopia took stock during its opening on the new techniques poised to curb this ophthalmic pathology.
Atropine, orthokeratology and brake lenses: new treatments for myopia
“On the medication side, we have an eye drop called “atropine”. It must be administered at a low concentration once a day for several years”the research center begins.
In terms of medical devices, he also cites orthokeratology. “These are rigid lenses that are worn at night and which, through a mechanical principle, reshape the cornea. They make it possible to do without correction during the day and could, according to certain studies (still few in number and currently being evaluated) slow down the progression of myopia”, say the specialists.
Another device that is a source of hope for myopic children: brake lenses. “Some evidence of effectiveness has been reported by teams of Asian researchers, who demonstrate that these high-tech lenses seem to slow the progression of myopia by reducing the speed of elongation of the eye in children,” they continue.
“Finally, surgical interventions for highly myopic people, even the simplest ones such as cataracts, require specific expertise” explains Professor Ramin Tadayoni, head of the ophthalmology department at the Rothschild Foundation Hospital* and director of the French Myopia Institute.
New myopia treatments: more research needed
“The research work that we are carrying out in collaboration with international public and private teams on strategies to curb myopia is still too recent for us to be able to measure its medium and long-term effects, but the momentum is underway” , he also believes.
“Indeed, while myopia is a common condition, a source of serious eye diseases, visual handicaps and even blindness, global research on the subject is relatively recent,” explains the expert.
“The growth of myopia must be stopped and no strong myope must lose sight of the consequences of this attack”, he concludes. `
One in two Europeans will be myopic in 2050
Currently, myopia correction is done with spectacle lenses or concave contact lenses. The image is thus pushed backwards on the retina to obtain clear vision.
“The same effect can be obtained by flattening the center of the cornea by laser (overall reduction in the convergence of the eye)”, completes the Poitiers University Hospital.
It is estimated that one in two Europeans will be myopic in 2050.
*The Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation Hospital offers access to sector 1 without excess fees.
