p.14
Consultation and Treatment Options
What technology does Dr. Jim Kokkinakis use for contact lens fitting?
sMAP3D technology, which maps the entire front surface of the eye.
p.7
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What is a significant advantage of using low concentrations of atropine?
It reduces the risk of side effects and makes the drops more tolerable.
p.7
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What are the benefits of using atropine eye drops compared to contact lenses?
The treatment is simple, quick, effective, and does not require ongoing maintenance like contact lenses.
p.3
Myopia Epidemic Statistics
Which demographic is experiencing rising levels of myopia?
East Asian school-children and children in Australia.
p.6
Consultation and Treatment Options
Why is consulting with an experienced optometrist important?
To ensure a suitable, customized treatment plan for reducing the progression of myopia.
p.3
Myopia Management vs. Control
What is the goal of the techniques used at The Eye Practice?
To prevent, manage, and control myopia.
p.10
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What does the initial consultation for orthokeratology involve?
A thorough eye examination to confirm the child's spectacle prescription and check eye health, followed by a corneal scan using a corneal topographer.
What role do genes and environment play in the development of myopia?
Both genes and environment are crucial, with factors including having myopic parents, increased near work, and reduced outdoor playtime.
What issue has Dr. Kokkinakis observed becoming more prevalent?
Myopia, especially in the wake of the digital age.
p.14
Consultation and Treatment Options
What is Dr. Kokkinakis's contribution to literature?
Co-author of 'Keratoconus – A User’s Manual'.
p.9
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What role do parents play in the suitability of a child for orthokeratology?
Parental supervision and help with lens care and hygiene are encouraged, especially for younger children.
p.12
Myopia Management vs. Control
What non-invasive options were used by optometrists before atropine eye drops and ortho-K therapy for myopia control?
Multifocal glasses and contact lenses.
p.15
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What is the focus of the five-year clinical trial mentioned?
Myopia control with atropine 0.01% eyedrops.
p.5
Myopia Epidemic Statistics
How much has the rate of myopia increased in the USA over the last three decades?
It has almost doubled to about 42%.
What is 'myopic progression'?
The trend of young myopic children becoming more myopic each year into adulthood.
p.14
Consultation and Treatment Options
What is one of Dr. Kokkinakis's career highlights?
He is a senior lecturer and clinical supervisor at the Optometry School (UNSW).
p.8
Myopia Management vs. Control
What are two effective treatments for slowing down myopic progression?
Atropine therapy and orthokeratology.
p.11
Myopia Management vs. Control
How does ortho-K affect myopia progression?
It works to slow down or halt the progression of short-sightedness.
p.10
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What happens after the lenses are fitted in orthokeratology?
Another appointment is made for the morning after the first night of wearing the lenses to ensure the treatment is starting to work.
What is myopia?
Myopia is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly.
What are some risks associated with high myopia?
Increased risk of retinal detachment and glaucoma.
p.14
Consultation and Treatment Options
How many full members are there in The International Society of Contact Lens Specialists?
Only 40 full members, including Dr. Kokkinakis.
p.11
Myopia Management vs. Control
Who is ortho-K particularly good for?
Kids and teens who struggle with disposable contact lenses and wish to engage in sports or activities hampered by glasses.
p.13
Consultation and Treatment Options
Who provides the best advice on myopia control strategies for children?
A therapeutically-qualified optometrist with experience in myopia control.
p.7
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What is the primary effect of atropine eye drops on myopia progression?
They have overwhelmingly shown a beneficial effect in slowing down myopia progression.
p.7
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What physical change does atropine slow down in myopia development?
The abnormally large growth of the eyeball.
p.11
Consultation and Treatment Options
How many appointments are needed after the initial consultation for ortho-K?
An appointment is made for the first morning after wearing the lenses, followed by appointments on a case-by-case basis (e.g., weekly or monthly).
p.11
Myopia Management vs. Control
What is necessary during treatment with ortho-K lenses?
It may be necessary to change the lenses periodically as the eye changes shape and/or the prescription changes.
p.6
Myopia Management vs. Control
What does myopia control aim to achieve?
To provide clear distance vision while slowing down or halting the progression of myopia.
p.9
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What is necessary for a child's cornea to be suitable for orthokeratology?
The cornea needs to be of a suitable shape to allow reshaping with overnight lens wear.
p.6
Effectiveness of Myopia Control Methods
Which methods of myopia control have the greatest effect at slowing down myopia?
Atropine drops and ortho-K lenses.
p.3
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What are the benefits of ultra-low dose atropine compared to higher doses?
It provides more long-lasting results and rarely causes side effects.
What is myopia?
Myopia, or short-sightedness, occurs when light from distant objects is focused before it reaches the retina, causing the image to be out of focus.
p.10
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
How can the risks of orthokeratology be minimized?
By ensuring proper handling, good hygiene, and regular follow-up appointments.
p.10
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What is the focus of care when treating children and teenagers with orthokeratology?
Safety is always at the forefront.
p.7
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What are some limitations of the clinical studies on atropine?
Participants were predominantly of Chinese background, and there is no consensus on the best timing and duration of treatment.
p.15
Outdoor Activity and Myopia Prevention
What did the study by Li et al. find regarding time outdoors?
It affects myopia progression over two years in Chinese children.
p.11
Consultation and Treatment Options
What does the initial consultation for ortho-K include?
A comprehensive eye examination and discussion of other options like atropine, glasses, or disposable contact lenses.
Why is myopia more than just short-sightedness?
It affects the health of the whole eye and increases the risk of sight-threatening diseases.
p.3
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What treatment has been used to slow down myopia progression in children?
Low-dose atropine eye drops.
p.13
Effectiveness of Myopia Control Methods
What information do you need to enter into the Myopia Calculator?
Child’s ethnicity, age, and current prescription (refractive error).
p.15
Myopia Epidemic Statistics
What was the finding of the study by Vitale et al. regarding myopia prevalence?
Increased prevalence of myopia in the United States between 1971-1972 and 1999-2004.
p.2
Myopia Management vs. Control
What is the difference between myopia management and myopia control?
Myopia management refers to strategies to slow down the progression of myopia, while myopia control focuses on preventing its onset.
p.11
Myopia Management vs. Control
How long can ortho-K contact lenses last with proper care?
From 12 months to three years.
p.11
Effectiveness of Myopia Control Methods
Does ortho-K really work?
Yes, especially in the hands of an experienced ortho-K practitioner.
p.8
Myopia Management vs. Control
What should be considered for myopic children aside from outdoor activity?
Other options like atropine or orthokeratology should be considered as they have a stronger effect on slowing down myopia once it has begun.
p.9
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What is created during the initial consultation for orthokeratology?
A special map of the cornea to assess suitability.
p.12
Myopia Management vs. Control
How do multifocal glasses and contact lenses help in myopia control?
They make reading vision as relaxed as distance vision, reducing focusing effort.
p.1
Myopia Management vs. Control
Why is it important to manage myopia in children?
To prevent the progression of short-sightedness.
What causes myopia?
Myopia is caused by a cornea that is too curved or a distance from the cornea to the retina that is too long.
p.7
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
How does atropine work in the eye?
It temporarily blocks certain muscle receptors, resulting in a dilated pupil and blurry reading vision.
p.15
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What is the purpose of orthokeratology in myopia management?
To control myopia progression.
p.2
Outdoor Activity and Myopia Prevention
How does time spent outdoors affect myopia?
Increased time outdoors is associated with a lower risk of developing myopia.
p.9
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
How do orthokeratology lenses work?
They mold the cornea to a flatter shape to allow clear focus with the naked eye.
p.9
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What age should a child be to be considered for orthokeratology?
At least ten years old, although children as young as 8 may be fitted if they are responsible.
p.2
Consultation and Treatment Options
What are the next steps after an initial consultation for myopia treatment?
The next steps may include discussing treatment options, scheduling follow-up appointments, and determining the best management plan.
p.15
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What is the significance of atropine 0.01% eyedrops in myopia treatment?
They significantly reduce the progression of childhood myopia.
p.10
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What is checked at every follow-up appointment in orthokeratology?
The health and vision of the eyes to ensure ongoing treatment success.
p.15
Effectiveness of Myopia Control Methods
What was the focus of the meta-analysis by Sun et al.?
The effectiveness of orthokeratology to control myopia progression.
p.2
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
Who is suitable for orthokeratology?
Individuals with mild to moderate myopia who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
p.2
Multifocal Glasses and Contact Lenses
What types of lenses are used in multifocal glasses for myopia?
Multifocal glasses have multiple lens powers to help with both near and distance vision.
What are some sight-threatening eye diseases associated with high myopia?
Glaucoma, macular disease, and retinal detachment.
p.12
Effectiveness of Myopia Control Methods
What significant effect have soft multifocal contact lenses shown in children?
A 50% reduction in the progression of myopia over a 2-year treatment period.
p.13
Effectiveness of Myopia Control Methods
What does the Myopia Calculator estimate?
Future myopia without treatment and with various myopia control treatments.
p.10
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What are the risks associated with orthokeratology?
There is a very small chance of corneal infection due to the use of contact lenses.
Why do only a certain percentage of children in industrialized countries develop myopia despite close work being essential for education?
The development of myopia must also involve genetic factors, alongside environmental triggers like excessive near work.
p.8
Outdoor Activity and Myopia Prevention
What has historical research shown about outdoor activity and myopia?
Outdoor activity is much more effective at preventing myopia rather than slowing it down once it has started.
p.8
Outdoor Activity and Myopia Prevention
What did recent studies find about myopic children spending time outside?
Myopic children who spent their lunch breaks outside had less worsening of their short-sightedness compared to those who stayed indoors.
p.8
Outdoor Activity and Myopia Prevention
Why is encouraging outdoor play beneficial for children?
It helps prevent and possibly slow down myopia, and is also beneficial for their overall health and well-being.
p.6
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What is atropine therapy?
The ongoing use of prescription eye drops to reduce myopia progression.
p.6
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
How effective are ortho-K contact lenses in reducing myopia progression?
They can reduce the rate of myopia progression in school-aged children by about 45%.
p.13
Effectiveness of Myopia Control Methods
What tool can be used to compare the effectiveness of myopia control methods?
The Myopia Calculator developed by Brien Holden Vision Institute.
Why is myopia considered more than just needing glasses?
It increases the risk of eye diseases, including sight-threatening conditions like retinal detachment.
p.4
Myopia Epidemic Statistics
What did the clinical study on Eskimo populations reveal about myopia?
It showed a significant difference in myopia incidence between older (1.5%) and younger (about 50%) members of the population.
What modern environmental factor is a trigger for myopia in genetically susceptible children?
Excessive near work, particularly from digital devices and reading.
p.8
Outdoor Activity and Myopia Prevention
What is the relationship between time spent indoors and myopia in children?
Children who spend more time indoors reading are more likely to develop myopia compared to those who spend time outdoors.
p.7
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What are some possible side effects of atropine eye drops?
Stinging on instillation, blurry vision, and light sensitivity.
What are some causes of myopia?
Genetic factors, environmental influences, and prolonged near work.
p.5
Myopia Epidemic Statistics
What is the projected increase in the myopic population in Australia and New Zealand from 2000 to 2050?
From 5 million to 22 million.
p.5
Myopia Management vs. Control
What is commonly referred to as 'myopia control'?
Research into treatments for preventing or slowing myopia.
p.11
Consultation and Treatment Options
What is the first step if interested in ortho-K for a child or teen?
An initial consultation with a contact lens specialist to assess suitability.
p.1
Myopia Management vs. Control
What is the primary goal of myopia control?
To slow or halt a child's short-sightedness.
p.13
Myopia Management vs. Control
What should you do if your child is having trouble seeing in the distance?
Have their eyes tested and investigate options to stop myopia from worsening.
p.15
Myopia Epidemic Statistics
What does the systematic review by Rudnicka et al. discuss?
Global variations and time trends in the prevalence of childhood myopia.
p.15
Outdoor Activity and Myopia Prevention
What does the research by Jones-Jordan et al. investigate?
The relationship between time outdoors, visual activity, and myopia progression.
p.2
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What is atropine therapy?
Atropine therapy involves using atropine eye drops to slow the progression of myopia.
p.9
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What is orthokeratology?
A specialized way of reversing or reducing myopia using rigid contact lenses worn at night.
p.6
Myopia Management vs. Control
What is the primary goal of myopia management?
To provide clear distance vision, commonly through spectacles prescribed by an optometrist.
p.3
Myopia Epidemic Statistics
What is the current status of myopia globally?
We are in the midst of a myopia epidemic.
p.13
Myopia Management vs. Control
What factors are considered when determining the best myopia control strategy for a child?
Age, maturity, shape of cornea, level of myopia, and rate of progression.
p.10
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What is the purpose of the corneal topographer in orthokeratology?
To determine suitability for treatment, fit the lenses, and assess treatment progress over time.
p.14
Consultation and Treatment Options
Who is Dr. Jim Kokkinakis?
One of Australia’s most experienced optometrists and an expert in contact lens fitting.
p.14
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What therapies are Dr. Kokkinakis and Dr. Koutsokeras advocates of?
Atropine therapy and orthokeratology (Ortho-K).
p.15
Atropine Therapy for Myopia
What did the study by Shih et al. conclude about atropine use?
It is effective for the prevention of childhood myopia progression in clinical practice.
p.2
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What is orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-surgical procedure that uses specially designed contact lenses to reshape the cornea and temporarily correct myopia.
p.14
Consultation and Treatment Options
What topics has Dr. Kokkinakis lectured on internationally?
Advanced contact lens fitting, dry eye treatment, and computer vision syndrome.
p.6
Outdoor Activity and Myopia Prevention
What effect does exposure to sunlight have on myopia?
It reduces the chance of developing myopia but has less effect on progression once it has begun.
p.9
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What degree of short-sightedness is ideal for orthokeratology candidates?
Between about -1.00 and -6.00.
p.3
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
What is Ortho-K?
A contact lens treatment worn at night to mold the cornea for clear focus without glasses.
p.9
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Explained
Why is patient selection important in orthokeratology?
It affects the success of the treatment, as compliance and maturity are crucial.
p.6
Multifocal Glasses and Contact Lenses
What role do multifocal glasses and contact lenses play in myopia?
They are used to prevent or slow the progression of myopia in children.
p.3
Multifocal Glasses and Contact Lenses
How do multifocal contact lenses and glasses help with myopia?
They allow the eyes to relax for close work, reducing the progress of myopia.
