MYOPIA TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Are you concerned that your glasses get stronger every year, or do you find yourself worrying about your child's future and whether or not he or she will become as nearsighted as you are?
Myopia is commonly referred to as nearsighted which means clearer vision at near relative to far distances. Myopia is much more than "just" blurry vision. The most recent data indicate the prevalence in the United States is at least 33%. Prevalence has been increasing here and even more so in other parts of the world. Among young adults in East Asia, the prevalence has reached 80% to 90%.
Myopia is the condition where the length of the eye is excessively long. Myopia is a serious eye condition because of the increased risk of eye disease associated with it. People with myopia are at a higher risk of developing blinding eye conditions such as Retinal Detachment, Glaucoma, Maculopathy and earlier Cataracts. Research has shown a direct relationship between the degree of myopia and the risk of these serious eye diseases.
Myopia is developed. Myopia is very rare at birth, it develops with time and it is well known that myopia increases in school age children. Since myopia commonly progresses from lower amounts to higher amounts it is advantageous to limit the progression of myopia which in turn will limit the risk of eye disease later in life. Genetics may predispose one to myopia, but environment also plays a role. The duration of near work and working distance place high accommodative demands and may promote axial elongation.
Take control of your vision with one of several safe and effective myopia treatment strategies offered from our eyecare center:
Myopia is commonly referred to as nearsighted which means clearer vision at near relative to far distances. Myopia is much more than "just" blurry vision. The most recent data indicate the prevalence in the United States is at least 33%. Prevalence has been increasing here and even more so in other parts of the world. Among young adults in East Asia, the prevalence has reached 80% to 90%.
Myopia is the condition where the length of the eye is excessively long. Myopia is a serious eye condition because of the increased risk of eye disease associated with it. People with myopia are at a higher risk of developing blinding eye conditions such as Retinal Detachment, Glaucoma, Maculopathy and earlier Cataracts. Research has shown a direct relationship between the degree of myopia and the risk of these serious eye diseases.
Myopia is developed. Myopia is very rare at birth, it develops with time and it is well known that myopia increases in school age children. Since myopia commonly progresses from lower amounts to higher amounts it is advantageous to limit the progression of myopia which in turn will limit the risk of eye disease later in life. Genetics may predispose one to myopia, but environment also plays a role. The duration of near work and working distance place high accommodative demands and may promote axial elongation.
Take control of your vision with one of several safe and effective myopia treatment strategies offered from our eyecare center:
MYOPIC CORNEAL RESHAPING THERAPY (CRT) ALSO KNOWN AS VISION SHAPING TREATMENT (VST)
CRT is similar to Orthokeratology or Ortho-K, but CRT offers significant improvements over the older procedure. Technology has really changed things. Many of the principles or CRT date back to 1962, but the new technology used in CRT is from the computer age. It has a corrective and a preventative effect in childhood myopia. Rigid contact lenses are inserted each night before sleep and during the night the corneal lenses work by slightly flattening the cornea of the eye. Usually there is no need to wear corrective lenses during the day following overnight use of these contact lenses. They lower the amount of myopia and the sooner treatment is initiated, the more control we have over myopia progression.
ANTI-FATIGUE OPHTHALMIC LENSES
There is a growing evidence that myopia progression can also be a result of excessive visual stress brought on by prolonged or continuous near tasks such as reading or computer use. These lenses give relief to visually stressed eyes by providing pristine distance vision correction, while adding a small amount of magnification in the lower part of the lens, thereby reducing the stimulus to myopia progression. These lenses also control the amount of high intensity blue light emitted by digital devices.
ANTI-FATIGUE CONTACT LENSES
Multifocal contact lenses also have anti-fatigue properties. These contact lenses have a low power magnification built into the lens, and no head movements are needed to benefit from the anti-fatigue property of the lens. These contact lenses also aim to reduce myopic progression by eliminating retinal defocus in the periphery of the eye while providing clear central vision.
PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT
A promising treatment for childhood nearsightedness (myopia) is welcome news at a time when more and more kids are diagnosed with this condition. Studies show that a low-dose of atropine, typically given as eye drops at bedtime, can significantly slow the progression of myopia in children, preventing severe nearsightedness. This method is very effective with minimal side effects.
PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT
A promising treatment for childhood nearsightedness (myopia) is welcome news at a time when more and more kids are diagnosed with this condition. Studies show that a low-dose of atropine, typically given as eye drops at bedtime, can significantly slow the progression of myopia in children, preventing severe nearsightedness. This method is very effective with minimal side effects.
EVALUATION AND TREATMENT FOR MYOPIA
Dr Meyerson offers all these treatment strategies. Please don't forget to ask Dr Meyerson about myopia control during your next comprehensive eye examination.
Recent evidence indicates that the amount of outdoor and sporting activities performed may be an important environmental factor in myopia development, with most studies suggesting a protective effect of outdoor activities against the development of myopia. Outdoor sport and play of at least 90 minutes a day can reduce the risk of myopia - looking at your tablet or phone when outside does not count!
