Progressive Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision problem that affects millions of children worldwide. While glasses or contact lenses can help correct the problem, they don’t address the underlying issue. That’s where myopia control comes in. Myopia control refers to various treatment options that aim to slow down the progression of myopia, ultimately reducing the risk of more serious eye problems in the future.
Treatment Options:
Atropine eye drops
Atropine eye drops are a type of medication that dilate the pupil and reduce the activity of the muscles in the eye responsible for focusing up close. Studies have shown that low-dose atropine eye drops can significantly reduce the progression of myopia in children.
Multifocal contact lenses
Multifocal contact lenses are specially designed to correct both distance and near vision, which may help slow down the progression of myopia. Studies have shown that multifocal contact lenses can reduce the progression of myopia by up to 50%.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-k)
Ortho-k involves wearing special rigid gas permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses reshape the cornea, which can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts during the day. Studies have shown that ortho-k can effectively slow down the progression of myopia.
Soft contact lenses for myopia control
Soft contact lenses for myopia control are similar to regular contact lenses, but they are designed specifically to slow down the progression of myopia. Studies have shown that these lenses can reduce the progression of myopia by up to 59%.
Summary
We offer all of these myopia control options, as well as other personalized treatment plans to suit your needs. Our doctors are experienced in providing comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages, including those with myopia. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that you receive the best possible care.
If your child has myopia, don’t wait to address the problem. Myopia control can help reduce the risk of more serious eye problems in the future. Schedule a consultation with us today and learn more about how we can help.
References:
- Chia A, Chua WH, Cheung YB, et al. Atropine for the treatment of childhood myopia: safety and efficacy of 0.5%, 0.1%, and 0.01% doses (Atropine for the Treatment of Myopia 2). Ophthalmology. 2012;119(2):347-354.
- Walline JJ, Greiner KL, McVey ME, Jones-Jordan LA. Multifocal contact lens myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2013;90(11):1207-1214.
- Santodomingo-Rubido J, Villa-Collar C, Gilmartin B, Gutiérrez-Ortega R. Myopia control with orthokeratology contact lenses in Spain: refractive and biometric changes. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012;53(8):5060-5065.
- Sankaridurg P, Holden B, Smith E 3rd, et al. Decrease in rate of myopia progression with a contact lens designed to reduce relative peripheral hyperopia: one-year results. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2011;52(13):9362-9367.