By Michael Hutton 

Vision correction  for short-sightedness - known as ‘myopia' - if undertaken before the condition progresses too far may provide an important means of reducing the risk of subsequently developing the more serious sight-threatening condition of glaucoma according to the results of a new study. The new study, published in the journal Ophthalmology, focused on the link between short-sightedness and "open-angle" glaucoma, the most common form of the disease. Dr. Nomdo Jansonius and colleagues at the University Medical Center in Groningen, Holland combined data from 11 previous studies that included tens of thousands of people, tracking those who were nearsighted and had glaucoma.

The researchers found that, overall, short-sighted people were about 90 percent more likely to also develop open-angle glaucoma. Those with higher levels of myopia appeared to be at higher risk of glaucoma, as well. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, causing gradual loss of vision. There are several treatments available -- including drugs and surgery -- but none of them can restore sight once it has been lost. More than two million Americans over 40 have been diagnosed with the eye disease, which is becoming increasingly expensive to treat. Given new vision correction  treatments for myopia such as overnight ortho-k corrective contact lenses, this study suggests early intervention is of critical importance.

According to one expert, the findings mean short-sighted people - representing around 100 million Americans -- may want to undergo regular eye screening. "A conclusion might be that persons with high myopia should have regular ophthalmic examinations," Dr. Barbara Klein of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who worked on one of the studies included in the new review, told Reuters Health. The American Academy of Ophthalmology already recommends regular eye exams for all adults beginning around age 40. People who are short-sighted may be nearly twice as likely as non-myopes to also develop glaucoma so emphasizing why the appropriate vision correction  treatment should be undertaken at the earliest stage possible.

Check if you are suitable for overnight ortho-k corrective contact lenses  for myopia.