Page 74 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition May-June 2023
P. 74
INSIGHTS ON MYOPIA
MANAGEMENT:
AN INTERVIEW WITH OPTOMETRIST
DR. ANKIT S. VARSHNEY
Dr. Ankit S. Varshney
is an accomplished
optometrist with a
Ph.D., FIACLE, FASCO,
M.Optom, and B.Optom.
He is currently serving The Indian Optician (TIO): How do you identify
as an Associate children who are at risk of developing myopia in your
Professor at Shree clinic? Do you have any special considerations for
Bharatimaiya College of preschool-aged children?
Optometry in Surat and Dr. Ankit S. Varshney (Dr. Ankit): Myopia risk factors
also as a Consultant at among children include having myopic parents, spending
the Shree K.P. Sanghvi less than 90 minutes daily outside, spending more than
Eye Institute. As myopia 2-3 hours on close work outside of school, and certain
is becoming a global binocular vision conditions like esophoria, accommodative
epidemic, with the lag, high AC/A ratios and intermittent exotropia. The most
projection that by significant risk factor for myopia development is being
2050, half of the world's +0.75D or less at six years old, which indicates pre-myopia.
population will be Early detection and an accurate refraction are crucial for
affected by it, it is crucial pre-school and early-school-aged children. Other factors,
to raise awareness such as binocular vision, the visual environment, and a
about evidence-based family history of myopia, also increase the risk.
approaches to its TIO: When do you believe the concept of myopia
management and management should be introduced?
mitigation. The Indian Dr. Ankit: To prevent myopia, it is important to educate
Optician recently spoke patients and parents on healthy lifestyle practices such as
to Dr. Varshney about spending time outside and taking breaks from close work.
his professional opinions Discussing the risks of myopia and management options
on the standard with families is also crucial. Treatment for children depends
of care for myopia on whether they reach ocular developmental milestones,
management and with a follow-up recommended every six months if there
how he integrates it is a risk of future myopia. In summary, educating patients,
into his practice. identifying risk factors, and conducting regular follow-ups
are essential to managing myopia.
70 | THE INDIAN OPTICIAN | MAY-JUNE 2023 INTERVIEW
