Breakthrough Myopia Management Techniques at Eye Care One
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, affects millions globally, and its prevalence is rising. At Eye Care One in Augusta, Aiken, and Beaufort, we offer effective myopia management techniques to slow its progression, allowing for healthy vision in the long run.
Myopia is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects are clear. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea (the front part of the eye) has too much curvature. Myopia typically emerges in childhood and often progresses during the formative years.
Symptoms of Myopia
Common symptoms of myopia, particularly in children, include the following:
- Blurred vision when looking at distant objects.
- Squinting to see clearly.
- Frequent headaches or eye strain.
- Difficulty seeing the whiteboard or screen at school.
- Poor grades.
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding reading materials too closely.
The Rising Concern of Myopia
In recent years, myopia has become a significant global health concern. The prevalence of myopia, particularly in children and adolescents, has seen a substantial increase due to increased screen time and lack of outdoor exposure.
This surge has raised concerns about the potential long-term consequences, as high levels of myopia are associated with an increased risk of sight-threatening conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.
Myopia Management: A Proactive Approach
The proactive management of myopia involves various strategies to slow its progression. Early intervention and a personalized approach are key to achieving the best results possible and preventing associated conditions later in life.
Let’s explore the multifaceted aspects of myopia management.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-k involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. This allows individuals to experience clear vision during the day without needing glasses or contact lenses.
MiSight Contact Lenses: MiSight contact lenses are groundbreaking – the first FDA-approved multifocal lenses designed to address myopia progression in children aged 8-12. These lenses correct vision while simultaneously slowing down the elongation of the eyeball, a key factor in myopia progression.
Multifocal Eyeglasses: These have different prescriptions in different zones of the lens, providing clear vision at various distances. This approach aims to reduce eye strain and slow down myopia progression, especially in tasks that involve close-up work.
Atropine Eye Drops: These drops relax the eye’s focusing mechanism, reducing eye strain and further eyeball elongation or corneal curvature.
Myopia Management Success Rates and Considerations
It's essential to note that the success of myopia management strategies varies among individuals. The following factors influence it:
- Age: Younger individuals, particularly children, often respond better to myopia management interventions.
- Consistent Use: Adherence to prescribed treatments, whether wearing contact lenses, using eye drops, or following other strategies, significantly influences success.
- Promoting Healthy Habits: Fostering healthy lifestyle habits can contribute to overall eye health and complement these strategies.
- Outdoor Activities: Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors has reduced the risk of myopia development and progression.
- Screen Time Management: Implementing screen time guidelines, such as the 20-20-20 rule (taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away), helps alleviate eye strain associated with prolonged near work.
Whether you’re a concerned parent or an individual seeking effective myopia solutions, request a consultation today!