Myopia Control – Slow the Progression of Nearsightedness
Why Should We Treat and Slow Down Myopia?
The benefits of slowing down myopia progression are not limited to preventing a higher prescription and not having as thick glasses and contact lenses. Higher levels of myopia (-6.00 Diopters or greater) are correlated to higher amounts of vision-threatening eye diseases such as:
- Retinal Detachment
- Myopic Macular Degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
By slowing down the progression of myopia, there will be lower rates of blindness later in life.
Three Types of Treatments for Myopia
As with any eye disease, it’s important to take a proactive approach to treating the condition. By working closely with an Optometrist at Village Eyecare, you can find the right treatment to match your individual needs.
These are the three common treatments that are suggested for myopia:
- Orthokeratology: Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) is the use of custom made corneal molds to be worn at night while sleeping and removed upon awakening. The molds reshape the cornea that slows down the lengthening of the eye and thus reduces myopia progression. An additional benefit is that upon removal of the molds upon awakening, patients see clearly and do not need to wear their glasses or contact lenses throughout the day.
- Atropine Eye Drops: Multiple clinical studies across the world have shown that a very low concentration of atropine applied once per day slows myopia progression. The medication causes the pupil to dilate slightly and has a small impact on the overall accommodative functioning. Therefore, for a small percentage of people, there is some mild glare with bright lights however for most it does not affect daily activities.
- Multifocal Contact Lenses: These unique contact lenses can be used to help with the correction of presbyopia and myopia. The dual-focus design has been tested in several research studies, and results have shown a slowing of the progression of myopia.
Are you looking for solutions to slow the progression of Myopia? Contact our experienced team at Village Eyecare to learn more about treatments for Myopia. We will schedule an appointment for you to discuss your individual concerns and to identify the best treatment for your needs.