Myopia, commonly known as near-sightedness, is a vision condition that causes objects at a distance to appear blurry. However, myopia isn’t just an inconvenience – it can also lead to serious eye diseases later in life. Our team of eye care professionals can provide a range of treatments and strategies to slow down the progression of myopia.
Myopia or nearsightedness is linked to serious eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment and macular degeneration. The higher the level of myopia, the higher the risk of these diseases. We now consider myopia to be a disease in itself and by 2050, half of the world’s population is expected to have myopia. That is why managing this disease early is so important to us, we have been dedicated to protecting children’s eyes since 2012.
Drs. Holtom and Kindopp offer a range of effective treatment options to slow down the progression of myopia. As behavioral optometrists, we specialize in contact lenses and spectacle options that provide similar benefits without any long-term risks. We work closely with each family to customize treatment programs based on each child’s unique needs. Our patients are thoroughly evaluated, carefully monitored, and reviewed frequently to ensure the best outcomes. We typically schedule follow-up visits every 6-12 months to assess the treatment’s effectiveness and modify it as necessary.
Myopia Control Soft contact lenses
There are two brands of daily disposable lenses approved for myopia control: Acuvue Ability and Cooper Misight. At The Eye Studio we have had early access to both these lenses. Some multifocal soft contact lenses can also be used for controlling myopia.
Bifocal Spectacle Lenses
Stress-relieving lenses in the form of either a straight top or round top bifocal have also been shown to help slow down the rate of myopia progression.
Peripheral Defocus Spectacle Lenses
These single-vision lenses are designed to blur peripheral images to help slow down eye lengthening, thereby helping to slow down myopia.
Orthokeratology
This is a system of gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn at nighttime to gradually flatten the cornea. The benefit is freedom from glasses or contact lenses during the day while providing myopia control.
Atropine Eye Drops
These drops are instilled at nighttime and have a couple of mechanisms to help slow down myopia: they decrease near overfocusing and eye lengthening. Potential side effects include glare and headaches.
If you’ve been wearing glasses or contacts for many years without much concern, it may seem unnecessary to manage your child’s myopia. However, it’s a worthwhile and important investment, as rapidly progressing myopia may lead to more severe eye complications and sight-threatening conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinal detachment.
In fact, the longer the eyeball length, the greater the risk of ocular complications down the line.
Myopia management has been shown to effectively help reduce the rate of growth of the eyeball in children and teens by slowing its progression. Offer your child a brighter future with myopia management.
Can Myopia Lead to Blindness?
In extreme circumstances, myopia can lead to serious vision-threatening complications, including blindness. This occurs primarily in cases where high myopia has reached an advanced stage called degenerative myopia.
What is Progressive Myopia?
Progressive myopia is nearsightedness that continues to worsen year after year. This progression can result in severe myopia, also called high myopia, that may be associated with potentially serious side effects.
Can Myopia Be Cured?
Currently, there is no cure for myopia. But myopia management methods like multifocal contact lenses can slow its progression.