Exploring the Different Types of Myopia Management

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error that makes distant objects appear blurry. The vision condition happens when the eye's shape causes light to focus in front of the eye instead of on the retina.

The retina is the light-sensitive eye tissue at the back of the eye. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgery can help correct myopia. Myopia management can help prevent the worsening of the condition.

Understanding Myopia Progression

It is unclear what causes myopia, but studies show a genetic connection. In most cases, the condition worsens throughout childhood before stabilizing in early adulthood. Myopia is irreversible, but proper control can help stop or slow its progression.

The treatment helps keep the condition from worsening to high myopia. The child may still need to wear eyeglasses or contacts, but management can keep the prescription stable.

Exploring Myopia Management 

Most children with myopia have one or both parents with the condition. Nearsightedness can also be caused by eyestrain, which leads to accommodation. Research shows that myopia usually develops in childhood and continues to worsen every one or two years.

The condition has no cure, but control or management can slow its progression. Eye doctors recommend various methods to slow myopia progression in children. Management is effective when implemented at an early age. Control is only effective when the eyes are still changing or developing.

Types of Myopia Management

Various techniques can slow the progression of myopia. They include:

 

• Atropine eye drops. Prescription eye drops dilate the eyes to prevent eyeball lengthening or accommodation when reading or performing up-close tasks.
   

• Specialty contact lenses. Studies show peripheral defocus contact lenses can slow myopia progression. The multifocal lenses can reduce blurriness.
   

• Eye specialists recommend eyeglasses with specialized prescription lenses to improve eyesight and slow myopia progression.
   

• Ortho-k is a management technique that involves the use of contact lenses worn at night. The rigid contact lenses reshape the cornea while the patient sleeps. The patient can enjoy good vision all day without wearing correction lenses.

Reasons to Get Myopia Management

Myopia management is most effective in children. Adults can wear prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct myopia. Those who do not want to wear corrective lenses can get eye surgery.

Myopia management helps prevent eyesight from worsening. Several eye conditions are more likely to develop in individuals with high myopia, including glaucoma and retinal detachment. Eye diseases can lead to vision loss.

Choosing Myopia Management

An eye exam can determine the best treatment option. Doctors recommend the best myopia management technique depending on various factors. They include:
 

• The patient’s age and maturity level
   

• The severity of myopia
   

• The patient’s eye health, some children are more likely to suffer side effects from atropine eye drops or complications from contact lenses
   

• Patient’s risk of developing high myopia

Studies show that spending more time outdoors can slow myopia. It also helps reduce or limit digital screen use. Myopia management can protect your child’s long-term vision.

For more on exploring different types of myopia management, visit Eye and Health at our New York, New York office. Call (212) 228-0950 to schedule an appointment today.