Myopia Management

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a widespread vision issue affecting a significant proportion of the global population. In the United States, around 1/3 of the people suffer from this condition, while in several East Asian countries, over 90% of the population is affected. Although myopia might seem minor, it is associated with several serious eye conditions that can threaten one's eyesight.
 

What is Myopia

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a condition where individuals can see objects close to them but may have difficulty distinguishing things at a distance, such as road signs or leaves on a tree. These individuals often squint at objects further away to try to help bring them into focus.

There is no known cure for myopia, and recent studies suggest that the more advanced your myopia gets, the more serious the effects on your vision can be. This has led eye professionals to look for ways to slow myopia progression in children and young adults, as the eyes typically change more rapidly during this time. Slowing down myopia progression during these years has a huge payoff. 
 

Types of Myopia Control

Several studies have proven that several different treatments for myopia are effective. Of course, to ensure you find the most effective choice, visit your eye doctor so they can review your case and recommend the best options for you.

Ortho-K | Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a technique that can help slow down the progression of myopia. It involves using special rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight while sleeping. These lenses gently reshape the cornea; when you wake up and remove them, your eyes maintain that shape. This means that people with nearsightedness can see clearly throughout the day without wearing contact lenses or glasses. This method is beneficial for athletes and other active individuals.

Atropine Eye Drops | One theory about myopia development suggests that eye strain contributes. The extra strain placed on the eye causes it to deviate from its standard shape. Atropine eye drops are specifically designed to prevent eye strain and relax the muscles. Atropine is similar to the eye drops used to dilate the eyes, except that its effects last throughout the day instead of just a few hours. Atropine dilates the pupils of the eyes, preventing them from closing too tightly and limiting vision. This treatment has been shown to be particularly effective in slowing myopia progression in children.
 
Multifocal Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses | These specialty contact lenses are designed to help reduce eye strain. They have shown great success at slowing myopia progression over three years compared to individuals who wore a standard prescription lens.
 

Pediatric Myopia

If you notice that your child is having a difficult time seeing objects that are far away, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Many parents notice changes in their children's behavior or grades at school, their ability to play sports, or that they may even be pulling back from playing with friends. Treating myopia as quickly as possible can help reduce your child’s chances of developing a severe eye condition that can threaten their ability to see the world around them. Call today and schedule an appointment to see how we can help your child.