Myopia Control

What is Myopia Control?
“Myopia control refers to strategies and treatments designed to slow down the progression of nearsightedness (myopia), especially in children and young adults. It’s important because if myopia gets worse over time, it can increase the risk of serious eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal problems later in life.”

Why Should We Care About Controlling Myopia?
“As myopia increases, the eyeball becomes longer, which affects how light focuses on the retina. The more myopia increases, the higher the risk of eye diseases that can threaten vision. Myopia control helps to reduce the chances of those long-term complications, giving your child (or you) a healthier, more stable vision.”

How Can We Control Myopia?
“There are a few options available to help control myopia. These treatments work by either slowing down how fast myopia develops or reducing the progression of it. Here are the main methods we use:”

1. Specialty Contact Lenses (e.g., Ortho-K or myopia control soft lenses)
   “Ortho-K lenses are designed to reshape the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) and reduce the rate at which myopia gets worse. Some are worn overnight, and others during the day.” “The soft lenses are designed specifically for myopia control”
2. Atropine Eye Drops
   “Atropine is a medication that can be used in low doses to slow down the progression of myopia. These drops are typically applied at bedtime and have been shown to be effective in slowing myopia growth.”
3. Multifocal or Bifocal Glasses
   “These glasses have special lenses that help reduce the strain on the eyes when focusing on near objects, like books or screens. By reducing that strain, they can help slow myopia progression.”
4. Lifestyle Changes
   “Encouraging outdoor activity and reducing near-vision tasks, like too much screen time or reading at close range, can also help manage myopia. Studies show that spending more time outdoors, especially in natural light, can help reduce the risk of myopia getting worse.”

How Effective Is Myopia Control?
“Research shows that these methods can reduce the progression of myopia by up to 50-60%, depending on the individual and the treatment. The earlier we start, the more effective the treatment can be, which is why it’s important to monitor changes in vision regularly.”

What’s the Next Step?
“If you’re interested in myopia control for yourself or your child, we can discuss the best options for your specific needs. We’ll consider your eye health, lifestyle, and how your myopia is progressing, and together we’ll come up with a plan that works for you.”