This post was most recently updated on February 17th, 2020
Myopia control is a term that is used in optometry for any treatment that is prescribed by an eye doctor to control or slow down myopia or nearsightedness. Not only has myopia been a problem for years, but it is also slowly becoming more and more prevalent. Thankfully, science is proving that it may be possible to slow down or even halt the progression of myopia, especially in children or young adults.
There are several different treatments that have become commonly associated with myopia control. All of them, although they do not completely cure myopia, can help to ward off future conditions and discomfort that may come as a result of nearsightedness such as eye pain and cataracts. It is important to discuss these Myopia treatments Denver with your eye doctor to find out what is best for your child.
Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine is a medicine that is taken in the form of an eye drop that causes dilation and relaxation in the eye. This type of medicine has been around for many years. This treatment has been used to treat myopia and has been shown to be effective in controlling or reducing myopia in children. However, most patients found that the drops were only effective during the first year of treatment. A prescription for atropine eye drops may be a viable option, however, and it is sometimes used with bifocals for maximum effect. Many children find that the effects of the medicine last beyond the time that it is used.
Orthokeratology
This treatment is the process of using gas permeable contact lenses, called “ortho-k” or “CRT” lenses during the night in an attempt to slow the lengthening of the eyeball in children. Multiple studies show that children who wear these contacts nightly experience a slowing of the progression of myopia. These results are encouraging, and many doctors and patients are choosing it as a method, despite its mildly invasive nature.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Unlike ortho-k lenses, Multifocal Soft Contact lenses are worn throughout the day. They have been shown to be effective in almost 50% of cases. They are decidedly more difficult to come by due to limited availability, but growing popularity may lead to an easier to find product. These contacts feature a soft center that minimizes the progression of myopia.
Bifocal or Multifocal Eyeglasses
Bifocal and Multifocal eyeglasses are a good option for children who are too young to effectively use eye drops or contacts. They have been proven to be fairly effective in lessening the progression of myopia over a period of about three years.
Close Monitoring
In some cases, especially with children, taking no action but working with an optometrist to provide close monitoring through frequent eye exams may be the only treatment necessary. Many cases of childhood myopia resolve with time, requiring no further action. However, for parents who want to be more proactive in reducing myopia and protecting the eye health of the child, any of the above treatments can be explored with the child’s eye doctor.