Two Types of Myopia in Adaptive Physical Culture Programs for Persons with Visual Impairments

Abstract

In Ukraine, myopia is a common visual impairment diagnosed in one in four people. Childhood vision loss is progressing, and according to 2023 data, the incidence of this phenomenon is 49.3 cases per 1000 people. These figures indicate the need to develop effective methods for the prevention and correction of myopia.

Specialists in adaptive physical education play an important role in working with people with myopia. Their tasks are focused on two key aspects: 1. Developing and selecting physical education programs that improve vision or at least do not lead to further deterioration. 2. Formation of competent conclusions about the effectiveness of individually selected physical exercises for vision correction and their communication to other specialists of the interdisciplinary team.

An important factor is a correct understanding of the nature of myopia, since modern ophthalmology pays attention to only a part of the cases of this disease. The article proposes a differentiated approach to myopia based on the distinction of its two types: -myopia of the first type - formed as a result of chronic stressful tension of the eye muscles; -myopia of the second type - arises due to a sedentary lifestyle.

Most of the available ophthalmic techniques are focused on the second type of myopia, while the first type is neglected. Accordingly, the standard exercises recommended by ophthalmologists may be ineffective or even harmful for people with type 1 myopia.

Correction of vision with the help of physical exercises requires an individual approach based on the ratio of tension and relaxation of the eye muscles. For people with type 2 myopia, it is important to independently regulate the balance of tension and relaxation during exercise. At the same time, to correct myopia of the first type, it is necessary to adhere to the principle of 10:1 ratio (relaxation to tension). However, in order for a visually impaired person to be able to manage this process independently, two key tasks need to be accomplished: Eliminate the root cause of chronic tension in the eyes; Teach the person the relaxation technique, since most visually impaired people (as well as generally healthy people) have no idea how to relax their eye muscles properly.

The proposed concept allows for a more accurate adaptation of physical exercises for vision correction and expanding the boundaries of an interdisciplinary approach to the problem of myopia in adaptive physical culture.