Ask the Eye Doctor: Is There A Cure For Myopia or Nearsightedness In Kids?
As an optometrist, patients often ask me if there is a cure for myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness. While it's a natural and valid question, the reality is that there is currently no absolute cure for myopia. Wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses will not improve your myopia but compensate for the physical change in your eye's refractive power.
However, the good news is that we have a range of effective treatments at our disposal to manage and slow down the progression of myopia in kids. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of myopia, its causes, and the various treatment options that can help you maintain clear vision and eye health.
Understanding Myopia or Nearsightedness
Myopia or nearsightedness is a refractive error that affects how the eye focuses light. In individuals with myopia, light entering the eye is focused in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This makes distant objects appear blurry, while close-up objects can be seen clearly.
Myopia typically develops during childhood and can progress over time, often stabilizing in early adulthood. Genetics and environmental factors, such as excessive near work and limited outdoor activities, play significant roles in its development and progression.
Treatment Options for Slowing Myopia
While no absolute cure for myopia exists, several myopia management treatment options are available to control its progression and provide clear vision. These treatments are especially important for children, as they can help prevent higher levels of myopia, which are associated with a higher risk of eye conditions like retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma later in life.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have gained popularity for their ability to slow down myopia progression in children. These eye drops are applied once a day before bedtime and work by temporarily relaxing the eye's focusing mechanism. Studies have shown that low-dose atropine can effectively reduce myopia progression while minimizing side effects.
MiSight Contact Lenses: MiSight contact lenses are soft, daily disposable contact lenses designed by Cooper Vision specifically for myopia control. These lenses incorporate a dual-focus design, with one zone for clear vision and another for defocusing peripheral light. This innovative design helps slow down myopia progression in children and teenagers.
DIMS, DOT & HALT Technology Eyeglasses: MiyoSmart and Stellest eyeglasses are another promising option for myopia control. These glasses feature a unique lens design that defocuses peripheral light while maintaining clear central vision. Studies have shown their effectiveness in reducing myopia progression, and they are an excellent option for younger children who need to wear their eyeglasses full-time. They also have a drug-free alternative to low-dose-atropine eye drops.
Orthokeratology: Often referred to as "ortho-k," it is a non-surgical and reversible method for controlling myopia (nearsightedness) in children. It involves the use of specially designed rigid contact lenses that are worn overnight while sleeping. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, temporarily correcting vision. By reshaping the cornea, ortho-k lenses help focus light more accurately on the retina, reducing the elongation of the eyeball associated with myopia progression. The lenses are removed upon waking, and the child can enjoy improved vision throughout the day without needing glasses or daytime contact lenses.
Conclusion: Managing Myopia or Nearsightedness Effectively
While there is currently no cure for myopia or nearsightedness, the abovementioned treatments offer promising solutions to correct and slow its progression, particularly in children. Myopia control is essential for maintaining clear vision and reducing the risk of associated eye complications in the future.
"In a position statement, the CAO said that it supports the WCO resolution and endorses evidence-based myopia management as a standard of care for all at-risk patients. The CAO recognizes that myopia is a global public health issue and cannot be considered merely an inconvenience of uncorrected vision." University of Waterloo.
If your child has myopia, scheduling regular eye exams with an experienced eye care professional is crucial. They can assess the degree of myopia, recommend suitable treatment options, and guide lifestyle and visual habits that can further support myopia control. By working together, we can help your child enjoy clear vision and long-term eye health. Remember, early intervention is key to effective myopia management.
