What is Myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common visual condition that causes difficulty in seeing distant objects clearly. Children who have myopia may exhibit certain behaviors, such as holding books too closely to their face, sitting too near to the TV or squinting frequently in the classroom. The underlying cause of myopia is the shape of the eye. In a perfectly round eye, light reflects directly onto the retina, resulting in clear vision. However, in an eye that is longer or has an irregular corneal curve, the light focuses in front of the retina, causing blurred vision. Myopia is a progressive condition that can worsen over time, but effective myopia management can help slow down its progression and maintain better long-term vision.

What Does Myopia Management Mean?

Our optometry team is offering myopia screenings and management treatments to address rapidly progressing nearsightedness in children. Early detection and intervention can be crucial in slowing down the progression of myopia and preserving long-term vision. those are some of the common methods used in myopia management: 

Eye drops: Some eye drops are available that can help slow down the progression of myopia, although their effectiveness can vary.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-k): This is a non-surgical method that uses specially designed rigid gas permeable contact lenses to reshape the cornea and reduce myopia. The lenses are worn at night and removed in the morning, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contacts.

Specialty Glasses: Specialty glasses, can be used to help manage myopia. These glasses have different prescriptions in different parts of the lens to correct both near and far vision, and studies have shown that they may help slow down the progression of myopia in children.

Specialty Contact Lenses: In addition to ortho-k lenses, there are also other types of specialty contact lenses that can be used for myopia management, such as soft multifocal contact lenses or myopia control contact lenses like MiSight. These lenses work by altering the way that light enters the eye, which can help reduce the progression of myopia.

It's important to note that not all of these methods will be suitable for every person, and the most appropriate method for managing myopia will depend on individual factors such as age, lifestyle, and the severity of the condition. It's best to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best myopia management strategy for you or your child.