Myopia: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Management

This book is a unique compilation of nine chapters on myopia; overviewing the impact of the increasing global prevalence of this emerging silent pandemic, especially in Asia, where it already is a significant public health problem; theories regarding its progression; preventive trials and innovative modalities to stagger and retard the increase in power; the concept of myopic anisometropia and unequal growth of both eyes, in spite of both eyes having the same genetic and environmental influences; the genetics and epigenetics of myopia and the most feared challenge of all, pathological myopia. It emphasizes that all high myopia is not necessarily pathological, though the chance of pathological myopia is more in high myopes. The monograph explores the close and cohesive association of myopia with open angle glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, strabismus and ocular movements, which are thus significant risk factors for the development as well as progression of myopia. The increasing evidence that ocular movements, especially adduction, in certain cases, may be an intra-ocular pressure independent harbinger of what is commonly called “normal tension glaucoma” has immense translational connotations regarding the management of this doubly blinding condition, glaucoma and pathological myopia. While in common parlance, the management of myopia comprises refractive correction by glasses or contact lenses, a comprehensive chapter elucidating different modalities of contemporary refractive surgeries to ameliorate myopia, adds knowledge regarding currently available alternatives for the appropriate treatment of this condition. It is anticipated that this unique monograph will find a place in the academic arsenal of general physicians, ophthalmologists, students and mentors alike in understanding the prevalence, risk factors and management of this exponentially increasing global public health issue.