Myopia control refers to specific treatments designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness.
Understanding myopia and its management is essential for protecting your vision and maintaining long-term eye health. In this blog, we’ll discuss all of this and more to help you decide whether myopia control is something you wish to explore with your eye doctor.
Understanding Myopia
Myopia occurs when the eye is too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in distant objects appearing blurry while close-up vision remains clear.
The exact cause of myopia is not fully understood, but genetics and environmental factors, such as prolonged near work and limited time spent outdoors, are known to contribute. As children grow, their eyes continue to develop, which can increase myopia if left untreated.
The rise in myopia cases, especially among children, is a growing concern for eye care professionals. By 2050, it’s estimated that 52% of the global population will be affected by myopia, and 10% by high myopia. This alarming trend underscores the importance of early detection and intervention to slow down myopia’s progression. High myopia can lead to severe eye complications without proper management, impacting not only vision but overall quality of life.
Effective myopia control strategies aim to slow the progression of nearsightedness, reducing the risk of complications later in life. With the right approach, myopia control can help maintain clear vision and prevent the condition from worsening.
Symptoms of Myopia
- Blurred vision when looking at distant objects
- Squinting or straining to see clearly
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Difficulty seeing the board in school or signs while driving
- Needing to sit closer to the TV or computer screen
- Rapid changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses
Understanding Myopia Control
Myopia control refers to a set of treatments and lifestyle modifications designed to slow the progression of myopia. The goal is not to cure myopia, but to manage its development, reducing the risk of more severe nearsightedness and associated eye health issues in the future. Myopia control is most effective when initiated early, ideally as soon as myopia is diagnosed.
There are many myopia control treatments available, including:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-k): Ortho-k involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-k is very effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children, and arguably the most effective monotherapy option for myopia control.
- Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops are prescribed to slow the progression of myopia. Applied once daily, these drops relax the eye’s focusing mechanism, reduce eye strain, and limit the elongation of the eyeball that causes myopia.
- Myopia Control Contact Lenses: These lenses have different zones built into the contact lens to provide clear vision centrally, but blur the periphery to reduce the stimulus for the eye to grow longer. In this way, the eye doesn’t progress in prescription or lengthening too quickly, thus slowing down the progression of myopia.
- Myopia Control Eyeglasses: Similar to myopia control contact lenses, these specialty eyeglass lenses offer technology specifically designed to reduce the progression of myopia in both prescription and physical lengthening of the eyeball. They work by altering how light enters and focuses on different parts of the eye. This option is beneficial for children who are younger or those who may not be suitable candidates for contact lenses or orthokeratology.
- Increased Outdoor Time: Studies have shown that spending more time outdoors in natural light can slow myopia progression in children. The exact mechanism still needs to be fully understood, but it may involve how light stimulates the retina or the increased distance focus required in outdoor activities.
- Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging regular breaks from near work, such as reading or screen time, can help reduce eye strain and slow myopia progression. The 20-20-20 rule is often recommended: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
These treatments can be tailored based on individual needs and are most effective when started early, especially in children.
Does Myopia Control Work for Adults?
While myopia control primarily targets children and teenagers, specific myopia management strategies can also benefit adults. Although the eyes are fully developed in adulthood, treatments like ortho-k lenses or specialized glasses can still provide clear vision and help manage myopia. However, these methods are generally less effective in slowing myopia progression in adults since the eye has already completed most of its growth.
Protect Your Vision & Eye Health
At Foresee Eyecare, we’re dedicated to providing personalized eye care for patients of all ages. Our experienced team can help you explore the best myopia control options for you or your child, ensuring your vision remains clear and healthy. Schedule an eye appointment with Foresee Eyecare today and take the first step towards better eye health.
