Myopia occurs when the eyeball is slightly elongated or the cornea is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, distant objects appear blurry. Myopia typically develops during childhood and can worsen with age.
How Myopia Affects the Eye?
Myopia can have various effects on the eye beyond blurry distance vision. As the eyeball lengthens, it causes stretching and thinning of the retina and choroid — the layers at the back of the eye responsible for capturing and processing light. This elongation can lead to complications later in life, such as:
Macular Degeneration: This condition affects the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision and can lead to severe visual impairment.
Retinal Detachment: The elongated eyeball can put additional strain on the retina, making it more susceptible to detachment. Retinal detachment is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
Glaucoma: Myopia has been associated with an increased risk of developing glaucoma later on, a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
Myopia Control & Treatment
Myopia control aims to slow down or halt the progression of myopia, particularly in children and teenagers. Several treatment options are available to achieve this goal:
Orthokeratology (ortho-K): This non-surgical approach involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, temporarily correcting myopia. Regular use of ortho-K lenses can slow down myopia progression.
Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have shown promising results in slowing myopia progression. These drops are usually prescribed for children and teenagers and need to be used under professional supervision.
Multifocal Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: Certain multifocal lenses can be used to control myopia progression. These lenses have different zones that help focus light correctly on the retina.
Behavioral Interventions: Reducing near-work activities and spending more time outdoors have been associated with a reduced risk of myopia progression in children.
How Long Does Myopia Control Treatment Take?
The duration of myopia control treatment varies depending on individual factors, such as the severity of myopia and the chosen treatment method.
Ortho-K treatment, for instance, can show initial results within a few days to weeks, with long-term control requiring continued use of the lenses.
Multifocal contact lenses and atropine eye drops may require more extended treatment periods to achieve optimal myopia control.
Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam at McCormick Vision Source
Understanding myopia and its effects on the eye is crucial in managing and controlling its progression. At McCormick Vision Source, our experienced team provides personalized myopia control treatments to improve visual outcomes and reduce the risk of associated eye conditions.
If you or your child are experiencing myopia, schedule a comprehensive eye examination with us to explore the most suitable myopia management options. Take the first step towards clear and healthy vision by calling 512-258-2020.