Myopia Management

What is Myopia?

Myopia (near-sightedness), is the inability to see distant objects clearly.                                                                                                                           Myopia is characterized by an increase in the length of the eye.  As the myopic prescription increases, the eye may become longer which could lead to damage to the internal ocular structures, particularly the retina.


What is Myopia Control?

Myopia Control describes a group of techniques used to slow the progression of myopia over time. In slowing down myopia progression we decrease the medical risks associated with myopia which include:

* Myopic macular degeneration.

* Glaucoma

* Retinal detachment and holes

* Cataract

Most of these risk factors are associated with irreversible vision loss. For this reason, we consider myopia management as a form of preventative medicine.


Myopia Control Options:

Atropine: 

Recent research has proven that instilling small concentrations of Atopine eye drops every night can reduce the rate of myopia progression.  This small concentration of Atropine drops is not commercially available and would need to be formulated within a compounding pharmacy.  


Specialty Soft Contact Lenses: 

These soft contact lenses provide clear vision while slowing down the rate of myopic progression and eye elongation.  These lenses are worn daily and are replaced every day.


Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): 

Orthokeratology is accomplished by using a specially designed rigid contact lens overnight to gently flatten the central cornea. Numerous studies have shown that orthokeratology lenses prevent the progression of myopia. Additionally, most patients wearing ortho-k lenses overnight do not need to wear glasses during the day.


Spectacle Lenses: 

This option is still not available in the US as it is pending FDA approval. 


Additional Resources:

mykidsvision.org

mymyopia.com