Myopia

Myopia (near-sightedness) is the inability to see things unless they are relatively close to your eyes. Myopia occurs if the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. As a result, the light entering the eye is not in focus, and distant objects look blurred.

Myopia is the most common vision problem affecting children and young adults. It is currently estimated that 2 billion people globally are diagnosed with myopia with that number rapidly increasing.

Early onset of myopia can lead to significantly greater risk of developing ocular complications that can cause vision loss and blindness.

TREATMENT

Atropine Eyedrops:

Low dose (0.01-0.05%) of Atropine eye drops used once daily

What to expect:

• 1 month follow-up after starting drops to determine vision and any change in refraction
• 3-6 month follow-up intervals as determined by doctor to assess vision and refraction

Multifocal contact lenses:

Soft multifocal contact lenses for daytime use

What to expect:

• Training on insertion and removal of contacts
• 6 month follow-up to check vision and refraction

Multifocal glasses:

Progressive or Bifocal glasses

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):

Gentle corneal reshaping with the use of rigid contact lenses worn overnight. This process flattens the cornea and eliminates the need for glasses or contacts during the day.

What to expect:

• Corneal measurement and determination of best fitting overnight lens
• Training on insertion and removal of contacts
• 1 day follow-up to assess corneal health, vision, and refraction
• 1 week follow-up
• 1 month follow-up
• 3-6 month follow-up intervals as determined by doctor thereafter

Lifestyle changes:

Limiting near activities (20/20/20 Rule- Every 20 minutes focus on a target 20 feet away for 20 seconds) and spending more time outdoors can also slow myopia progression.

The doctor will recommend the best option(s) for you or your child based on the examination findings.

Myopia Control, Myopia Treatment, and Myopic Eyesight

What is Orthokeratology?