Myopia Management
Understanding Myopia and Its Treatment
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, is a common vision issue where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are clear. It occurs when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often starts in childhood and progresses rapidly if left untreated. With increasing rates of myopia in children and teenagers worldwide, it's crucial to spread accurate information to help parents and individuals manage this condition effectively.
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Early intervention in myopia treatment can slow or even halt its progression, significantly reducing the risk of severe eye diseases associated with higher myopia levels. Myopia control aims to slow down the progression in children and teenagers, leading to a lower final degree of myopia than without treatment. This not only improves their vision but also reduces the frequency of prescription changes and the lifelong risk of eye diseases.
Options for Myopia Control
Several treatments are available to manage myopia, including:
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Special Spectacle Lenses: Designed to correct blurred vision and slow myopia progression.
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Soft Contact Lenses: Certain designs can both correct vision and slow the progression of myopia. This includes options like soft myopia control lenses and orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses.
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Atropine Eye Drops: Low-concentration atropine drops have been shown to reduce myopia progression by about one-third to one-half compared to placebo treatments. Spectacles or contact lenses are still needed to correct vision as atropine only slows progression.
There is no single best treatment for myopia control; the optimal approach depends on individual factors such as prescription, eye health, hobbies, activities, and family preferences.
Myopia control is essential for managing vision health in children and teenagers. It involves various treatments like special lenses, contact lenses, and atropine drops, tailored to individual needs. Early intervention and accurate information are key to effectively slowing the progression of myopia and reducing the risk of serious eye diseases.
For more information and personalized myopia management plans, book an appointment with us.