WHAT IS MYPOIA?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a prevalent eye condition in which the eye does not bend light properly to a single focus. This causes distance objects to appear blurred while nearby objects remain clear. Myopia typically develops in children and progresses into adulthood.
MAYFAIR EYE CARE CAN HELP!
If you or your child are nearsighted, you’re probably wondering if there is a cure – or at least something that can be done so your child doesn’t require stronger glasses year after year. A number of recent studies suggest it may indeed be possible to at least control myopia by slowing its progression during childhood and teenage years.
DETECTING MYOPIA EARLY
The best way to take advantage of methods to control myopia is to detect it early. Even if your child is not complaining about their vision it is important to schedule routine eye exams for your children, starting before they enter preschool. Early childhood eye exams are especially important if you or your spouse are myopic or your child’s older siblings have myopia or other vision problems. High levels of myopia can be associated with serious eye problems later in life, including early cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.
“When neither parent is myopic there is still a nearly 1 in 4 chance your child will be myopic“
MYOPIA TREATMENT/MANAGEMENT
Although the ‘cure’ for myopia has not been discovered, we offer a number of treatments that have been shown to control myopia and slow or halt its progression. These treatments can induce changes to the eye structure and focusing system to prevent the eye from elongating further, and thus reducing stress and fatigue.
Orthokeratology
“Ortho-K” is the use of custom-designed hard contact lenses that are worn overnight to temporarily correct myopia. These lenses “mold” or “reshape” the cornea throughout your sleep so glasses and contact lenses aren’t needed during waking hours.
Multifocal soft contact lenses (MiSight)
Special contact lenses designed to correct nearsightedness using different powers in different zones of the lens. These lenses are effective in slowing myopia progression by creating peripheral blur to slow eye growth.
Atropine eye drops
Atropine is an ophthalmic eye drop used to dilate the pupil and completely relax the eyes’ focusing system. The results of studies using low-dose atropine eye drops to control myopia progression have been impressive. Using a low concentration shows minimal effect on pupil dilation, which can cause light sensitivity and trouble focusing at near.
Multifocal Eyeglasses
Similar to contact lenses, these specialized corrective lenses are used to reduce strain and focussing issues and slow myopic progression.