Lecture Notes: Myopia - A Modern Yet Reversible Disease

Speaker: Todd Becker

Introduction

Speaker shares personal story about his journey with myopia.
Introduces topic: myopia (nearsightedness) as a common refractive defect of the eye.
Discusses his experience reversing his own myopia.

Definition: Refractive defect causing distant objects to appear blurred.
Consequences: Severe myopia can lead to serious eye conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and retinal detachment.
Myopia is prevalent, particularly in Asian countries (70-90% in regions like Singapore).

Genetic Factors:
- Higher prevalence in identical twins than fraternal twins.
- Genetic mutations (e.g., SC2 related to copper metabolism) identified.
- Variation across ethnic groups; less common in Africa.
Environmental Factors:
- Increased prevalence linked to educational levels and activities.
- Historical data shows correlation between occupations and myopia rates (e.g., farmers vs. students).
- Rise in myopia since 1970 across all age groups.

Correlation between education level and myopia prevalence.
Diet can influence myopia; high carbohydrate intake linked to increased rates.
Epigenetics: interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

Eye Mechanics:
- Lens changes shape to focus light on the retina.
- Prolonged near work can cause lens spasm, leading to blurred vision at distances.
Incremental Retinal Defocus Theory:
- Wearing minus lenses can cause the eye to elongate, worsening myopia.
- Evidence shows changes in eye length related to lens use.

Active Focusing:
- Engage in practices that stimulate eye adaptation.
- Use "print pushing"—reading without glasses, focusing on the edge of clarity (D1) and blur (D2).
Encourage readers to take breaks, move between distances, and gradually increase challenge levels.
Using Lenses:
- For mild myopia: read without glasses, gradually using plus lenses as myopia improves.
- For stronger myopia: progressively weaker prescriptions.

Daily Integration:
- Incorporate eye exercises into daily activities.
- Use Snellen chart to measure progress.
Expected Outcomes:
- Most people see improvements within weeks; results vary based on individual commitment.

Bates Method:
- Focuses on relaxation; doesn't fully address axial myopia.
- Becker’s method emphasizes active focusing as a corrective strategy.
Active Focus vs. Passive Relief:
- Becker argues against reliance on glasses, comparing it to using an exoskeleton in a gym.

Eyes are adaptive; reversing myopia is possible through practice and active engagement.
Important to stimulate eyes and integrate healthy focusing habits into daily life.
Encourage participants to explore and enjoy the world without glasses.

Concern about uneven prescriptions:
- Work on the weaker eye first; consider using patches to strengthen it.
Diet and Eye Health:
- Good diet recommended for overall eye health.
Long-term Commitment:
- Continuing habits after achieving clarity may enhance vision further.