What Is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, is the eye condition in which objects at short distance away are clear but objects that are far away are blurred. Caused by the gradual elongation of the eyeball, myopia affects more than a billion people around the world. Myopia is an issue that can hinder your child’s learning and set them back from an early age. Progressive myopia can also lead to thinning of the retina, which can lead to increased risk of eye diseases like retinal detachments.
What Is Myopia Control?
Myopia Control describes methods used to slow the progression of myopia. At De-Lens Ophthalmics, we have staff trained in myopia control who use methods backed by scientific research to treat children at an early age in order to proactively slow down or stop progression of myopia. We also adopt proactive means of treatment, including encouraging yearly eye exam starting as early as five years old. The earlier the problem is identified and treatment initiated the better the long-term results are likely to be.
With our state-of-the-art equipment we take measurements of the eye and monitor the child over time and institute the appropriate myopia control strategy when indicated.
How Is Myopia Treated?
At De-Lens Ophthalmics we focus more on four main proven treatments currently being used to control myopia with varying success. They are:
- Atropine eye drops — medicine designed to dilate the pupil and relax the focus center; where this method is adopted it is usually in conjunction with reading glasses.
- Distance-Center Multifocal contact lenses – special lenses that have different powers in different zones of the lens to correct vision problems
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)- specially designed contact lenses that are worn at night to prevent symptoms of myopia during the day
- Multifocal eyeglasses — in some specific types of eyes with “Esophoria” adult bifocals or multifocal eyeglasses are implored to retard progression of myopia
Each method offers different benefits to those suffering from myopia. Our experienced doctors will determine the best treatment for you or your child based on individual needs.
If you suffer from nearsightedness, there are ways to slow its progression. Schedule an appointment regarding myopia control today and preserve your vision.