Commonly referred to as “nearsightedness” and often diagnosed in children under 20, there is no cure for myopia—a condition of the eye wherein “the eyeball is longer than normal or when the cornea is steeper than average; causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on its surface” (Bedinghaus).
However, there are treatments available today that can help to slow down the progression of myopia. Continue reading to learn more!
Orthokeratology for Myopic Control
Orthokeratology, also known as ortho-k, works by reshaping the surface of the eye through specially fitted and designed gas permeable contact lenses. These lenses are most often worn at night during sleep—eliminating the need for glasses or lenses to be worn during the day.
Ortho-k should be started as early as possible, as young eyes change quickly, and prompt treatment is needed to prevent, correct, or stabilize any vision issue. Children as young as six have been successfully and safely treated with ortho-k lenses. As ortho-k has been shown to reduce or halt the progression of myopia, it is one of the most common methods of vision correction in teenagers and pre-teens in our practice.
Atropine Eye Drops for Myopic Control
Atropine is currently the most effective therapy for myopia control. Recent clinical trials demonstrated low-dose atropine eye drops such as 0.01% resulted in reduction of myopia progression, with significantly less side effects compared to higher concentration preparation (Chaurasia, et al). Atropine can also be significantly cheaper than other treatments, such as ortho-k, and prices may continue to become more affordable as drugmakers release new products on the market (Myopia profile).
Use Case of Adults with Myopia: Sports
While myopia is commonly diagnosed in young adults or children, adults can also be diagnosed with this disease. In areas like competitive sports, having good eyesight is integral for making it to the big leagues. Many athletes resort to contact lenses or LASIK eye surgery, but ortho-k can also be a proven way for adults to correct their nearsightedness. In its initial stages of development, ortho-k was not as popular an option because outcomes were not as predictable.
But today’s orthokeratology methods are far more sophisticated and result in a safe, reversible, non-surgical way of correcting nearsightedness and astigmatism.
Are you or your child experiencing symptoms of myopia? Want quality ophthalmology services at prices you can afford and at a facility you’ll love? Contact us at https://www.myvisionunlimited.com/book-appointment to book an appointment today.
Works Cited
Bedinghaus, Troy. “Myopia Control and Prevention: How to Reduce Nearsightedness.” Verywell Health, 24 July 2020, https://www.verywellhealth.com/myopia-control-and-prevention-4165839. Accessed 15 June 2022.
Chaurasia, Shweta, et al. “Efficacy of 0.01% low dose atropine and its correlation with various factors in myopia control in the Indian population.” Scientific Reports, vol. 12, 7113, 2022, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-10079-1.
“When To Prescribe Atropine For Myopia Control.” Myopia Profile, n.d., https://www.myopiaprofile.com/when-to-prescribe-atropine-for-myopia-control. Accessed 15 June 2022.