Myopia: A Modern Yet Reversible Disease

Speaker Introduction

• Speaker: Todd Becker
• Topic: Myopia (Nearsightedness)
• Audience Interaction: Percentage of audience wearing glasses/contact lenses

Personal Anecdote

• Pictures of Becker and his daughter:
  • Older picture: Becker without glasses
  • Recent picture: Becker with glasses
• Journey of learning about myopia and reversing it.

Lecture Structure

1. Causes of Myopia
2. Techniques for Reversal of Myopia

Definition of Myopia

• Nearsightedness: Refractive defect of the eye.
  • Distant objects appear blurred because images are focused in front of the retina.
  • Common disorder; can lead to serious complications like macular degeneration and retinal detachment.

Myopia Prevalence

• Higher incidence in Asian countries (70-90% in some areas).
• Comparison of prevalence in different ethnic groups and regions:
  • US/Europe: ~1/3 population
  • Africa: much lower prevalence

Causes of Myopia

Genetic Factors

• Twin studies show higher correlation in identical twins.
• Gene mutations (e.g., SC2 related to copper metabolism) implicated.

Environmental Factors

• Significant increase in certain populations (e.g., Aboriginal people post-Western schooling).
• Correlation observed between academic achievement and myopia incidence.
• Historical data from Holland highlights occupation-related myopia prevalence:
  • Farmers: 2.5%
  • Merchants: 15%
  • Advanced students: ~33%

Recent Trends

• Increased prevalence since 1970 across all age groups.
• Studies showing significant prevalence differences based on education level and geographic distribution.

Diet and Lifestyle Factors

• High carbohydrate intake linked to increased myopia risk.
• Role of epigenetics: environment influencing genetic predispositions.

Biology of Myopia

• Eye Structure: Lens shape changes to focus light on retina.
• Myopia Development Stages:
  1. Thinned Lens for distant focus; Thickened Lens for near focus.
  2. Excessive near work leads to lens spasm, causing myopia.
  3. Use of minus lenses further elongates the eye, worsening myopia.

Incremental Retinal Defocus Theory

• Evidence showing that fitting a minus lens causes eye elongation.
• Plus lenses can help reduce eye length in hyperopia cases.

Method for Reversing Myopia

Key Principle: Hormesis

• Beneficial response to low-dose stressors.
• Example: Exercise, exposure to cold/heat can enhance adaptability.

Active Focus Technique

• Concept: Use near work to strengthen eyes rather than relying on corrective lenses.
• Recommended practices:
  • Print Pushing: Read without glasses, pushing the limit between focus and blur.
  • Distance Vision: Use progressively weaker lenses for distance work.

Practical Steps

1. Determine Myopia Level: Use Snellen chart.
2. Reading Technique: Remove glasses and practice reading at the edge of focus and blur (D1 and D2).
3. Use Plus Lenses: For weaker prescriptions, introduce plus lenses gradually.
4. Progressive Weakening of Lenses: For distance, use weaker prescriptions over time.
5. Adopt Active Focus: Incorporate into daily activities; aim to read 2-4 hours/day.
   • Make it a fun activity, integrating varied distances.

Addressing Strong Myopia

• Use slightly weakened prescriptions to allow gradual adjustment.

Conclusion

• Eyes are adaptive organs just like muscles.
• Avoid over-reliance on glasses; integrate active focus techniques into daily life.
• Preventive measures for children: Use weak plus lenses to limit myopia development.

References

• Provide additional studies and support for claims made in the talk.
• Encourage exploration of further resources for those interested in improving vision.

Q&A Highlights

• Addressed various concerns about myopia, glasses, and techniques to improve vision.
• Importance of balanced approach and gradual adjustment in prescription lenses.