Myopia Control
What is myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is when a person sees distance objects as blurry and close objects clearly. This typically occurs because a person’s eyeball is too long, causing distance objects to focus in front of the retina.
Myopia is becoming a common condition, with half of the world’s population expected to be myopic by 2050. Risk factors for myopia include genetics, as well as increased near work and limited time outdoors. Those with myopic prescriptions are at an increased risk of developing certain eye conditions, including macular disease, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and cataract. The risk of developing one of these conditions increases as the strength of the prescription increases.
Thankfully there are things that can be done to slow the onset and progression of myopia.
What is myopia control?
A myopic, or nearsighted, prescription can be corrected using glasses, contact lenses, and surgery in some cases. This provides the patient with clear and comfortable vision, however traditional corrective options do nothing to slow the progression of myopia.
Due to the increasing prevalence of myopia there has been lots of research into ways to slow the progression of myopia. We now have therapeutic glasses, contacts, and medications that have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children. This means that children will end up with smaller prescriptions, or less nearsighted, when compared to traditional corrective options.
We are excited to be able to offer our patients myopia control glasses and contact lenses, as well as eyedrops. If you would like to learn more, book an appointment and we are happy to discuss myopia control options.