Methods of Slowing the Progression of Myopia
Myopia, also called nearsightedness, is the eye condition where close objects are clear but objects that are far away are blurry. Myopia is caused by the eye being slightly too long.
Myopia is generally passed down from your parents, but there is also a connection to increased time spent on computers and phones (near work) as well as lack of time spent outdoors.
WHY SHOULD WE CONTROL MYOPIA?
Slowing the advancement of myopia can not only avoid developing a high prescription, but high levels of myopia have been linked to early cataracts, retinal detachments and other eye conditions (see chart below).
HOW DO YOU CONTROL MYOPIA?
Various studies have shown that it is possible to slow down myopia during childhood and among teenagers. The following methods have shown varying results:
Corneal Reshaping
Multifocal Glasses
Soft Contact Lenses
Pharmaceuticals
Lifestyle Changes
Undercorrection
THINK ABOUT THIS...
Maintaining a low level of myopia could mean better vision when not wearing glasses or contact lenses:
CORNEAL RESHAPING
Corneal reshaping uses special contact lenses that are worn during sleep to correct vision so glasses and contact lenses aren't needed when you wake up. Research shows that nearsighted kids who undergo corneal reshaping end up with less myopia, compared with children who wear glasses or regular contact lenses. This treatment is approved for children as young as 6 years old.
MULTIFOCAL GLASSES
Progressive and bifocal eyeglasses can provide a useful myopia control effect for some children. Studies show these glasses can help when used for children with focusing issues or children whose eye drift inwards or outwards. There is no age restriction with this treatment.
SOFT CONTACT LENSES
Specially designed soft contact lenses can combat myopia. They address a concept called "Peripheral Myopic Defocus". This is the same principle that explains the effectiveness of corneal reshaping but in this instance soft contact lenses are required during the day. This treatment is approved for children as young as 6 years old.
PHARMACEUTICALS
Atropine eye drops are an alternative method of managing myopia without contact lenses or glasses, This treatment has been slow to gain popularity due to side effects of discomfort, light sensitivity and blurred near vision, but recent studies have shown that lower desages not only reduce myopia progression, but significantly reduce the side effects. There is no age restriction for this treatment.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
There are theories linking the lack of time spent outdoors as a potential cause for myopia progression. A recent study showed that children who had increased participation in outside activities exhibited a reduction in myopia progression versus their less active counterparts. It is hypothesized that natural light intensity may play a role.
UNDERCORRECTION
There is a theory that deliberately under correcting a prescription may reduce the progression of myopia. Aside from putting the child at a safety risk, studies have shown that this method will actually lead to an increase in myopia progression.
CAN EYE EXERCISES CURE MYOPIA?
There are eye exercise programs that claim the ability to reverse the effect of myopia.
It should be noted that independent research does not support the effectiveness of these programs, especially when they require undercorrecting a child's prescription.
DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH
Studies now show that there are ways to slow or even prevent myopia progression.
A complete listing of peer reviewed research can be made available upon request.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?
The risk is too great, and therefore doing nothing cannot be an option.
The first step is to have your child evaluated as early as possible. Regardless of the type of treatment, it is always best to start when the child is younger. Early eye exams are even more important if the child's parents, or siblings, have nearsightedness.
If myopia control is required, the doctors at Lumos Eyecare will help you obtain a treatment option that is best for you and your family.
Lumos Eyecare
When Dr. Sran created Lumos Eyecare, she did so with one major goal in mind. She wanted to bring a state of the art, welcoming environment to Costco where patients felt comfortable not only improving their eye health, but maintaining it.
That goal is the driving force that empowers every aspect of Lumos Eyecare. It is the reason why we are devoted to bringing the highest level of training, services and technology to the community that we serve.
Our doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of various ocular and vision problems for patients of all ages. We offer glasses and contact lens prescriptions for the everyday or casual wearer, and we are conveniently located inside Costco of Bridgewater, NJ.
We invite you to browse our website to learn more about our company and services.
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