Correcting Eyesight for Healthy Vision
Drs. Quan, Chang, and Deng use their clinical experience combined with information gleaned from peer-reviewed scientific research to help determine how best to control, not just correct, myopia from an early age. It has been shown that the risk of eye diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma increase as myopia increases. We can control the progression of myopia, making it possible to minimize risks of eye diseases later in life.
Types of Myopia Control
There are four widely accepted types of myopia control treatments: Orthokeratology (OrthoK aka CRT), Atropine eye drops, Distance-Center Multifocal Contact Lenses and in some cases Bifocal or Multifocal Eyeglasses. Drs. Quan, Chang, and Deng use methods based on patient age, prescription and need, sometimes combining methods for maximum impact.
There are outdated recommendations made for methods that actually may
INCREASE myopia such as “undercorrection”, where the doctor provides a lower prescription than needed. Studies show that there is no effect or may actually make nearsightedness worse.
Lenses
In several scientific studies specific types of contact and eyeglass lenses have been shown to effectively control the progression of myopia. Ortho-K lenses, distance-center bifocal contact lenses, and bifocal eyeglasses are all methods with randomized, controlled peer-reviewed studies on their effectiveness in slowing down or preventing the progression of myopia. Drs. Quan, Chang, and Deng will determine which methods are the best fit for your child based on prescription and lifestyle and monitor change over time with the goal of minimizing myopic “creep”.
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology, also known as OrthoK or CRT is a method where medical devices similar to contact lenses are applied to the eye while asleep. The gentle pressure exerted on the cornea, or surface of the eye overnight results in the temporary “molding” of the outer layers, providing “lens like” effects for the user. The effects last all day, providing vision for users without wearing glasses or contact lenses during their waking hours. The effects are dramatic and free people from issues with glasses or regular contact lenses for sports, swimming and performing the activities they love to perform. Orthokeratology has many peer-reviewed, randomized and some longitudinal studies that show it is an effective method to reduce the progression of myopia and, in many cases, halt it altogether.
Distance Center Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses
Distance Center Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses are worn precisely the same as regular soft contact lenses. An optical “trick” in the center of the lens has been shown in several studies to slow down the progression of myopia. This method is rapidly gaining in popularity. They come in daily disposable or monthly disposable options.
Medication
Atropine, available in eye drop or ointment form, has been found in several studies to reduce the progression of myopia. Applied once a day, atropine treatment is continued as long as myopia progression continues. It is not a cure, but it has shown to control myopia in many patients and in some cases may be used in conjunction with bifocal eyeglasses to enhance the myopia control effect.
Bifocal and Multifocal Eyeglasses
In some children with certain eye-muscle positioning known as Esophoria, studies have shown that wearing a different prescription for distance and near is helpful. This is usually achieved in Bifocal or Multifocal eyeglass lenses. Bifocals have shown to be more effective in some studies and preference has been given for bifocals where the line is placed at the lower margin of the pupil of the eye.
For those parents with children with the Esophoria who prefer not to have the children where contacts or use eyedrops or are too young this method has been shown to help in some studies.
Schedule an Appointment for Myopia Control
If you suffer from nearsightedness, there are ways to slow its progression. Call Visionarium Optometry to schedule an eye examination and myopia control consultation.
A new evidence-based myopia ‘calculator’ developed by the Brien Holden Vision Institute will help educate patients in managing myopia appropriately.
The free, simple to use web-based tool runs on a range of electronic devices and merges individual patient information with different optical and pharmacological treatment options to illustrate the impact on their future level of myopia.
The tool allows one to input patient age and level of refractive error when beginning therapy and select a treatment option. It then demonstrates the effect of the treatment on myopia progression, and how it is likely to progress without treatment.
