Myopia Control

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a refractive error that causes blurred distance vision. It can arise in various ways, primarily because the eye grows more than it should (axial elongation). 

Myopic eye

The difference between having and not having myopia

 

If the eye grows, the myopia worsens. High levels of myopia predispose the eyes to serious complications, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, among others.

Myopia is more likely to progress if it begins in childhood; therefore, this is the most critical period for intervention to halt further eye growth. This is particularly important for children with myopic parents and/or those who spend significant time using screens.

 

Treatments to prevent the progression of myopia

  • Atropine drops: These drops inhibit the eye's stimulus to continue growing (the most likely theory). They must be used carefully to avoid rebound effects.
  • Orthokeratology: This treatment corrects vision—eliminating the need for glasses—while also offering an anti-myopia effect.
  • Soft contact lenses: These lenses correct vision while simultaneously preventing the eye from growing further.
  • Spectacle lenses: A special type of lens that corrects vision while preventing the progression of myopia.

Every case is different, and a patient might benefit from one or several treatments simultaneously. During the consultation, the best option is determined to ensure a positive patient experience, consistent treatment adherence, and the prevention of myopia progression.

 Myopia control

Diagram of myopia progression, with and without treatment

 

How do we ensure that myopia does not progress?

Beyond measuring the prescription, the best way to monitor myopia is to directly measure the length of the eye; this allows measurements to be compared over time and an accurate record of the myopia to be maintained, while also evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment.

 

Interested in learning more?

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