In today’s article we will discuss an eye condition that plagues many of us, including me!
What is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as short sightedness is when objects off in the distance are harder to see than objects that are closer to your focal range. Interestingly enough, research has suggested that myopia is caused by both environmental factors and genetic factors.
What Causes Myopia to Progress?
When it comes to the environmental factors that affect myopia, there are few things that can cause it to progressed. The science behind myopic progression is both complex and many studies have been performed to try to understand this a bit better. Researchers believe now, that a major factor in the progression of myopia is peripheral hyperopia. Overtime, that eye elongates as a result of this defocus and can in turn cause an increase in central myopia.
What is Myopia Control?
Myopia control is the blanket term used to describe treatments that are used to slow or prevent progression of myopia in children.
What are the Best Form of Myopia Control on the Market Today?
Currently available there are few methods that control myopia. These include atropine eye drops, multifocal soft contact lenses, and orthokeratology. Atropine eye drops have shown to be the most useful for slowing myopia progression.
So far there are no long-term studies that have been published that satisfactorily answer the question of what the duration of myopia control treatment is best. Clinical experience suggests that children continue with myopia control procedures until the end of their teenage years for best results.
It is important to remember that myopia control is not used to reverse the effects of progressive myopia. These treatment options in sure that your child’s degree of myopia does not become higher over time. By restricting the myopia to a relatively small amount means that your child becomes a less dependent on glasses, and reduces the risk of other ocular complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.
If you still have questions concerning myopia, and more importantly myopia control, we at Falcon Vision Center Hope to provide the answers that you are seeking. Our offices in Mississauga, ON, are a great resource to those that live near us. Give us a call today to set up your very first appointment.
