The general apporach against myopia has always been to focus on the eyes, whether by wearing conventional spectacles or contact lenses, or going for invasive surgery such as LASIK. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. After all, myopia is an eye problem.

However, the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) is conducting small trials to correct myopia by targeting the brain rather than the eyes. This is done though a customised computer programme by NeuroVision, which trains the brain to intepret signals from the eyes better.

And the recepients of this LASIK alternative? Primary school children. Since children tend to “spoil” their vision faster than adults, such a programme would be an excellent means of stemming myopia right from the source.

However, targeting the brain is effective to only a moderate degree. You could probably dump your glasses with such a programme if you had a power of only 150 degrees. But anything more, and more conventional solutions are in order, whether LASIK, Implantable Collamer Lenses, or just plain glasses.

Nevertheless, a non-invasive and non-burdening means of attacking myopia is surely a Good Thing. More importantly, such a programme can instill awareness in eye problems, especially in children who have yet to wear glasses permanently. The earlier the better, right?

[News via TODAYonline]