Myopia Management: Options for Slowing Down Progression
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry. While glasses and contact lenses can correct blurry vision, they don’t address the underlying issue of myopia progression, where the eye continues to elongate, leading to higher prescriptions and an increased risk of eye health complications. At LJ Eye Institute, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive myopia management strategies to help slow down this progression, especially in children.
Why is Myopia Management Important?
Myopia typically develops during childhood and adolescence. As children grow, their eyes also grow. In myopic eyes, the eyeball elongates too much, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. This excessive growth increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, including:
- Retinal detachment
- Myopic maculopathy
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
Options for Myopia Management
Several effective strategies are available to help manage myopia progression:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K involves wearing specially designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or regular contact lenses. Ortho-K has been shown to be effective in slowing myopia progression, particularly in children.
- Specialty мягкие contact lenses: Certain мягкие contact lenses designed for myopia control can also help slow down eye elongation.
- Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been used to slow myopia progression. Atropine is typically used in conjunction with other myopia management methods.
- Increased Outdoor Time: Studies have shown that increasing the amount of time children spend outdoors can help reduce the onset and progression of myopia.
Who is a Good Candidate for Myopia Management?
Myopia management is most effective for children and adolescents whose myopia is actively progressing. Early intervention is key, so regular eye exams are crucial for detecting myopia and monitoring its progression.
Why Choose LJ Eye Institute for Myopia Management?
At LJ Eye Institute, we are committed to providing comprehensive myopia management solutions tailored to your child’s individual needs. Our experienced ophthalmologists offer:
- Thorough eye examinations to assess myopia and identify risk factors.
- Personalized treatment plans using the latest myopia control techniques.
- Expertise in fitting Ortho-K lenses and other specialty contact lenses.
- Ongoing monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the chosen treatment plan.
We understand the importance of preserving your child’s vision and are here to guide you through the best options for myopia management.