Why the world is a whole lot blurrier

Why the world is a whole lot blurrier

Proximity to mobile phones, tablets and spending less time outdoors may be responsible for the global increase in myopia

MONTREAL, March 22, 2018 /CNW/ - According to a recent study published in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, by the year 2050 about half of the world's population will be nearsighted or suffer from a condition known as myopia. This staggering number is based on a sharp increase in myopia from 1.4 billion people worldwide in the early 2000s to what researchers are predicting will soar to 4.8 billion by 2050(1).

While the increase in near-reading activity with smartphones and tablets combined with other lifestyle changes (like spending less time outdoors) are widely considered to be responsible for this increase, what seems to be clear is that Canadians across the country are turning to laser vision correction to treat their myopia. Laser vision correction procedures are performed by an ophthalmologist who uses a laser to reshape the eye's cornea in order to improve visual acuity.

The demand for laser vision correction varies widely by country based on population, income levels, health care access, and the number of laser vision correction surgeons available. Interestingly, Canada has the highest rate in the world of laser vision correction procedures performed relative to its myopic population, according to the 2017 Refractive Surgery Report published by Market Scope(2). Canadians, it seems, have embraced this non-invasive procedure and consider it to be a safe and effective option to correct myopia.

Canadian ophthalmologist Dr. Mark Cohen, co-founder of LASIK MD, attributes the strong adoption of laser vision correction to access and affordability. "The ease of access that Canadians have to high quality, affordable and safe laser vision correction is a key factor in explaining the sizeable number of procedures performed in this country. Patients between the ages of 20 to 40 are mostly affected by myopia and are increasingly opting for this procedure given the benefits it provides."

What is myopia?

Myopia, or near sightedness, is a common vision problem and according to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, more than 10 million people (approximately 30%) of the Canadian population is myopic(3). The condition causes intermediate and distant objects to appear blurry, while near vision is maintained.

About LASIK MD

LASIK MD is a national provider of laser and intraocular lens vision correction procedures in Canada. Throughout its nearly 20-year history, the company has been dedicated to treating patients with state-of-the-art technology at affordable prices. LASIK MD operates over 30 clinics across the country, and has a team of more than 50 experienced surgeons who have collectively performed more than one million procedures. The company also partners with thousands of optometrists in Canada, who themselves refer patients and trust their own eyes to LASIK MD. Renowned for its exceptional medical and business practices, LASIK MD is the recipient of Deloitte's Best Managed Company Platinum Club Status, which is awarded to those organizations who have retained their Best Managed Companies status for seven or more consecutive years. For more information, please visit lasikmd.com.

References

    1. Holden, Brien A. et al. "Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and
       Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050." Ophthalmology, Vol. 123, Issue
       5, May 2016.
    2. Market Scope, "2017 Refractive Surgery Report: A Global Market Analysis
       for 2016 to 2022", December 2017.
    3. Canadian Association of Optometrists, "Myopia (Nearsightedness)", July
       2017.

Media Contact: Stephanie Engel, stephanie.engel@energipr.com, (416) 425-9143 x 209

SOURCE LASIK MD