Myopia Control: What You Should Know and How It Can Benefit Your Eyesight

As the number of individuals affected by myopia, or nearsightedness, continues to rise, particularly in children, the importance of myopia control has never been greater. While myopia is common, it is also progressive in many cases, which means that over time, individuals may experience worsening vision and an increased risk of developing serious eye conditions. The good news is that myopia progression can be managed, and there are various methods available to help slow it down. In this blog, we’ll explore what myopia control is, why it’s important, and how different treatment options can help protect your vision.

What is Myopia and How Does It Develop?

Myopia occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. As a result, distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. Myopia typically develops in childhood and can worsen during the school years as the eyes continue to grow. The progression of myopia can lead to higher prescriptions and increase the risk of vision complications later in life, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.

What’s concerning is that myopia often progresses quickly in children and can continue to worsen into young adulthood. By the time someone reaches adulthood, they may have a high degree of myopia, which can significantly impact their quality of life and increase the risk of severe eye conditions.

The Importance of Myopia Control

Slowing down or stopping the progression of myopia is essential to minimize the risk of long-term eye problems. The earlier myopia control is introduced, the better the chances of preventing further deterioration of vision. By managing myopia during childhood or adolescence, individuals can potentially:

• Lower the risk of eye disease: High myopia increases the likelihood of serious conditions like retinal detachment and macular degeneration.

• Reduce dependence on corrective lenses: Slowing myopia progression can decrease the need for frequent updates to glasses or contact lenses.

• Improve long-term vision health: Managing myopia early on can lead to better overall eye health and reduce complications later in life.

With the rise of myopia, particularly in children, it’s important for parents to consider myopia control options and discuss them with an eye care professional.

Effective Myopia Control Methods

There are several effective methods for controlling myopia progression. Each has its own advantages and can be tailored to the individual’s specific needs. Below, we’ll discuss the most common options for myopia control and how they work.

1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, commonly referred to as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical treatment that uses specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea. These lenses gently flatten the cornea, which helps to temporarily correct myopia and prevent further progression. After wearing the lenses overnight, individuals wake up with clear vision, allowing them to go through their day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

One of the biggest advantages of Ortho-K is that it works while you sleep, so there is no need to wear lenses during the day. It is especially beneficial for children and teens, as it can slow myopia progression by up to 50%. The effects are reversible, meaning that if the lenses are no longer worn, the cornea will return to its original shape.

2. Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are designed to provide clear vision at various distances by incorporating multiple zones within the lens. Some studies suggest that multifocal lenses can help slow myopia progression by changing the way light is focused on the retina, reducing the growth of the eye.

Unlike traditional single-vision lenses, which focus light on the retina’s center, multifocal lenses provide a more balanced focus across the entire retina. This can help reduce the stimulus that causes the eye to elongate and worsen myopia. Multifocal contact lenses are suitable for both children and adults and are an excellent option for those who prefer contact lenses to glasses.

3. Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine is a medication that has been used for years to treat a variety of eye conditions, but more recently, it has been found to be effective in controlling myopia progression. Atropine eye drops, typically used in low concentrations (0.01%-0.05%), work by reducing the focusing efforts of the eye, thereby slowing myopia progression.

The use of atropine drops has shown promising results in controlling the progression of myopia, with minimal side effects. The drops can be used on a daily basis and are usually prescribed for children and adolescents. While atropine may cause some light sensitivity or difficulty focusing on close-up objects, these effects are generally mild and temporary.

4. Myopia Control Glasses

Myopia control glasses are specially designed glasses that aim to slow down the progression of myopia by altering the way light enters the eye. These glasses typically use lenses with a technique called "defocus incorporated multiple segments" (DIMS), which creates a slight defocus in the peripheral vision. This defocus helps reduce the signal that encourages the eye to elongate, effectively slowing myopia progression.

Myopia control glasses are a simple, non-invasive treatment option that can be easily incorporated into a child’s or adult’s daily routine. They are also a great alternative for those who prefer glasses over contact lenses.

5. Outdoor Activities and Lifestyle Changes

In addition to more formal treatment methods, making simple lifestyle changes can help manage myopia progression. Spending more time outdoors has been shown to reduce the risk of developing myopia in children, likely due to the exposure to natural light. Studies suggest that children who spend more time in natural light experience a slower progression of myopia compared to those who spend excessive time indoors.

Reducing close-up activities, such as reading or using digital devices for long periods, may also help in slowing the development of myopia. Encouraging regular outdoor play, sports, or other activities can be a simple and natural way to complement other myopia control methods.

Who Should Consider Myopia Control?

Myopia control is most beneficial for children and teenagers, especially those who:

• Are under 18 years old, as myopia tends to stabilize after this age.

• Have a family history of myopia, as genetics play a significant role in its development.

• Experience rapid increases in myopia each year.

• Have high levels of myopia, which increase the risk of eye complications later in life.

If your child or adolescent is showing signs of myopia or experiencing a rapid increase in their prescription, it’s important to consult with an eye care professional to discuss myopia control options. Early intervention can help manage the condition and reduce the likelihood of severe myopia in the future.

Conclusion

Myopia control is an essential part of managing nearsightedness, especially in children and young adults. With options like Ortho-K, multifocal lenses, atropine drops, myopia control glasses, and simple lifestyle changes, it is possible to slow the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of long-term eye problems. If you or your child is affected by myopia, it’s important to work with an eye care professional to determine the best approach for maintaining healthy vision. By taking proactive steps to control myopia, you can help protect your eyes and ensure better vision for the future.

Kindly note: This blog is for your reading pleasure and is not a substitute for real-deal medical advice. Always consult a professional for eye health concerns.