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Increase in Myopia

Background

Myopia develops in childhood, when the eye grows faster than the optics contained therein. Too long a growth of only 1 mm already means 3 diopters of myopia.

Myopia is increasing massively. In 2010, 2 billion people were short-sighted. By 2050, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 5 billion people will already be short-sighted, or 50% of the world’s population.

Long screen work (close-up work) and a lot of time under artificial light are among the triggers.

Graph: Myopia growth from 2000 to 2050
Source: http://www.who.int/blindness/causes/MyopiaReportforWeb.pdf

Causes

Too much close work

Nowadays, we spend much more time reading distance than our ancestors. Computers, but also smartphones and tablets cause our optics to be constantly focused at a distance of 20 to 60 cm. This constantly activates the process of so-called accommodation: we make an effort to focus in the vicinity. This stimulates our brain to make the eye short-sighted, because myopia means that you can see close up without any effort.

 
Too much artificial light

Another reason for the strong increase in myopia is probably also the artificial light that accompanies us over long stretches of our everyday life. The composition of the artificial light, in contrast to natural sunlight, does not release the messenger substance dopamine. And it is precisely the dopamine that can slow down a progression of myopia.

Our questions to you
  • When did the last eye examination take place with your child? What was the correction?
  • Has the correction in the last three prescriptions increased?
  • Has the sight deteriorated in the last 6-12 months?
  • Do the parents wear glasses? If so, what is the correction?
  • Do brothers or sisters wear glasses? If so, what is the correction?

Only in Asia but also in Zurich?

Is the increase in myopia a problem unique to Asia? Not at all. Here in Zurich and throughout Switzerland, too, the number of people with myopia is increasing rapidly. Our living and reading habits are also changing rapidly with us.

More important that we can now help with various measures to slow down the increase in myopia. In addition to changing habits (more time in natural light, greater reading distance from screens, smartphones, tablets), therapy with atropine and / or special contact lenses can slow down the increase in myopia.

The wisdom of our grandparents

The German ophthalmologist Hermann Cohn had already established in the mid-19th century that close work and too little sunlight have an influence on the progression of myopia.

In other words, what our grandparents always said to us  “Do not read so much and go out to the fresh air” makes perfect sense…

Source: Wikimedia Commons

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Augeninstitut ELZA
4.8
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mike
mike
09:02 04 Jan 23
Overall as a 50 year old, who wanted to continue to avoid wearing glasses and/or contact lenses, my goal was 100%... achieved with ELZA and Dr. Hafezi. I greatly appreciated the overall approach by Dr. Hafezi and his friendly and competent team in reviewing my vision at the start and following a comprehensive eye exam- the explanations of my options. For me I chose PRK in one eye for a monovision solution to correct short sightedness which was becoming more prevalent in night driving and sports such as skiing and cycling. PRK heals slowly but the outcome is worth the wait- and the cost- you use your eyes every waking moment- and for me I cannot see any reason not to pursue better vision with the ELZA team! A great quality of life enhancement!read more
Zuzana Fecko
Zuzana Fecko
21:48 31 Oct 22
Thank you so much, Dr. Torres and prof. Hafezi. 26 years I was only “dreaming” about the eye surgery due to possible... complications. I was worried ..Thank you for encouraging me to make a decision and thank you for your professionalism, explanations and great work!I wish you all the best, lots of success and only happy patients!read more
Serena Fazio
Serena Fazio
11:15 06 Mar 22
I have been to the ELZA clinic to have surgery for my miopy, as my eyes were rejecting the contacts and I was tired of... wearing glasses. From the first preliminary visit, to the actual surgery and post-surgery care Dr. Hafezi and all his collaborators have been extremely professional, considerate and helpful. All the steps of the (very short!) surgery were thoroughly explained to me in order to be as calm as possible, together with the medication plan and precautions to be aware of so that my eyes could heal in the best way possible. By following their exact instructions, the healing process has been very successful and smooth, and after about one week I was able to see perfectly. I absolutely recommend this team and their expertise!read more
Robin A
Robin A
11:43 16 Feb 22
Top experts and professional team. Highly recommended
Thunder Shiviah
Thunder Shiviah
14:05 23 Nov 21
After some research on local options I decided to go with ELZA since it stood out as the best. The operation and the... post-operation recovery went extremely smooth (something I was worried about with PRK). Now my vision is much better than I had hoped and I have no side effects such as dry eye or night vision problems. Thank you!read more
Thomas S.
Thomas S.
09:37 07 Jul 21
My left eye had to be operated on because of a cataract. As I had an Artiflex lens implanted a few years ago, it had to... be removed first before a modern lens could be implanted to correct the cataract. Prof. Hafezi treated me in an very competent and friendly manner. I am very happy with the result.read more
Selma A. Rahim
Selma A. Rahim
19:45 02 Jul 21
Dr. Hafezi.. the KING OF CXL🤴
Gianluca Ricci
Gianluca Ricci
12:46 10 Apr 21
Great team and service!
rehaneyecare
rehaneyecare
05:36 08 Apr 21
Excellent surgeon
Steven H.A
Steven H.A
16:13 11 Jan 21
Prof. F. Hafezi s expertise is enormous and he has a very pleasant and calm nature which gives the patient... security.Thank youread more
Online Commande
Online Commande
09:19 05 Dec 20
Totally creepy, very arrogant Prof.He just want your money.It may explain, why this Prof. is not in the center of the... city of Zürich and why he has been thrown away from University of Geneva.read more
Elena Churilova
Elena Churilova
10:06 17 Nov 20
At the moment, 3 months have passed since the moment I made laser vision correction in this clinic. and I can say that... I am happy that I chose this particular clinic and Prof. F. Hafezi. The entire staff of the clinic is very friendly, treats patients with sympathy and patience if they are nervous before surgery (my big gratitude to Aida Alili for all support and patience). The doctor Hafezi and other doctors of the clinic are very professional and ready to explain to you as many times as you need. I can only recommend!read more
Michele Aggiato
Michele Aggiato
18:17 10 Jan 20
The day I had Prof Hafezi checking my keratoconus I knew I was finally in the right place after years of searching for... a good ophthalmologist. Prof Hafezi recommended a surgery due to a drastic degeneration of my cornea. The surgery was performed by himself with the assistance of Dr Rodriguez, one more collaborator of Prof Hafezi’s team who got my full trust.read more
Ashley Faulkes
Ashley Faulkes
15:30 21 Mar 16
Professor Hafezi and the team at the ELZA Institute have done an amazing job of creating a first class eye clinic, with... cutting edge technology and support. I went there for a dry eye issue and other issues with my prescription, and they were easily able to help me and put me on the road to better vision! High recommend them to anyone in the Zurich/Aargau area.read more
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