Myopia, commonly known as near-sightedness, is a common vision problem for people of all ages. It often begins in childhood and continues throughout adulthood. Myopia control can slow the progression of myopia. We offer myopia control at New Century Ophthalmology in Raleigh and Oxford, NC.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia causes blurry vision when looking at distant objects. The condition usually begins before a child is ten years old. As they age, myopia will worsen, typically until they reach early adulthood.
When they reach adulthood, myopia will typically stabilize or stop getting worse. Myopia is the eyes growing faster than average, affecting how light is reflected on the retina. This reflection causes blurry distant vision.
Types of Myopia Control
Myopia was once treated with corrective lenses. However, this treatment doesn't slow the progression of myopia. It only treats the symptom, which is poor distance vision.
Today, there are three types of myopia control. These are myopia control lenses, eye drops, and lifestyle changes. These treatments may be used alone or in conjunction for the best results.
Myopia Control Lenses
Your Ophthalmologist may prescribe myopia-control lenses or contacts. These lenses focus less on the perimeter of the eye or periphery. This directed focus allows the available light to be concentrated in the retina's center, which slows eye growth.
Your eye doctor can prescribe standard multi-focal eyeglass lenses or contacts for presbyopia, but they are less effective than lenses explicitly designed for myopia management.
Another type of myopia lens is the Ortho-K lens. These are rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn at night rather than during the day.
As your child sleeps, these lenses change the shape of the cornea, allowing light to be reflected onto the retina properly.
Myopia Eyedrops
Low-dose atropine eyedrops are effective for slowing the progress of myopia. They work by acting on the receptors in the retina. You must use these eyedrops consistently and for an extended period for the most significant benefit. They are particularly effective if used during the peak years of myopia development.
Lifestyle Changes
Spending more time outdoors is helpful in myopia eye care. The natural light from the sun helps slow the growth of the eye, which also slows myopia.
In addition, activities that require looking at something close to the eyes have been shown to worsen myopia. These activities may include reading, writing, sewing, and cell phones. These activities should be limited or held as far away from the eyes as feasible.
Myopia Control at New Century Ophthalmology
Myopia control can significantly slow myopia's progression, which helps preserve vision in children. If you or your child have nearsightedness or other vision problems in Raleigh or Oxford, NC, contact New Century Ophthalmology today. Call us at Raleigh (919) 861-4494 or Oxford (919) 693-6661 to schedule an appointment.