Myopia Management

Myopia is a refractive error in the eye where light rays focus in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurred. This condition typically develops in childhood and can worsen over time. According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of myopia is expected to reach 50% by 2050, making it a significant public health concern.
 

Causes and Risk Factors of Myopia

The development of myopia is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the common causes and risk factors include:

  • Genetics: Children with myopic parents are more likely to develop the condition.

  • Excessive near-work activities: Prolonged exposure to close-up tasks, such as reading, using digital devices, and playing video games, can strain the eyes and contribute to myopia progression.

  • Lack of outdoor time: Studies suggest that spending less time outdoors and engaging in more indoor activities can increase the risk of myopia.

  • Age: Myopia typically starts in childhood and can continue to progress during the teenage years.

 

Recognizing Symptoms of Myopia

The primary symptom of myopia is blurred vision for distant objects. Other common signs include:

  • Squinting or straining to see clearly

  • Headaches or eye strain after prolonged near-work activities

  • Difficulty seeing the board or TV clearly

  • Frequent need to sit closer to the front of the classroom or theater

 

If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
 

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Early Detection

Regular eye exams are crucial for the early detection and management of myopia. During these examinations, our optometrist will measure the refractive error, assess the overall health of your eyes, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Early intervention can help slow the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of associated complications.
 

Diagnosing Myopia

To accurately diagnose myopia, we use advanced diagnostic tools, such as the IOL Master. This device measures the eye's biometry, including the corneal curvature, axial length, and anterior chamber depth, providing detailed information about the structure of your eye. This data is essential for developing an effective myopia management strategy.
 

Another important tool for diagnosing myopia is the Medmont Meridia, which provides a detailed map of the corneal surface. This corneal topography measurement can help identify any irregularities or asymmetries that may contribute to the development of myopia, allowing your eye care professional to tailor your treatment plan accordingly.


Risks of Untreated Myopia

Untreated myopia can lead to a range of serious eye health issues, including:

  • Increased risk of retinal detachment: Myopic eyes are more susceptible to retinal tears and detachment, which can result in permanent vision loss if left untreated.

  • Higher likelihood of cataracts and glaucoma: Myopia is associated with an increased risk of developing these sight-threatening conditions at a younger age.

  • Macular degeneration: Myopic eyes are more prone to the development of myopic macular degeneration, which can cause central vision loss.

  • Increased eye strain and discomfort: Uncorrected or undercorrected myopia can lead to headaches, eye fatigue, and difficulty with daily activities.
     

Effective myopia management is essential to mitigate these risks and protect your long-term eye health.


Effective Myopia Management Strategies

One of the effective myopia management strategies is Ortho-K, also known as orthokeratology. This non-surgical treatment involves wearing specialized rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, temporarily improving vision during the day without the need for daytime contact lenses or glasses. Ortho-K has been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents.
 

Another myopia management approach is the use of low-dose atropine eye drops. Atropine is a medication that can help slow the progression of myopia by relaxing the eye's focusing mechanism. This treatment has been found to be effective in reducing the rate of myopia progression in children, with minimal side effects.
 

MiSight contact lenses are a specialized type of contact lens designed specifically for myopia management. These lenses have a unique optical design that can help slow the progression of myopia in children. By creating a specific peripheral defocus, MiSight lenses have been shown to be effective in controlling myopia progression in clinical studies.


Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam with Hope Vision Care Today

At Hope Vision Care, Drs. Choi, Dr. Dinh, and Dr. Ho are dedicated to providing personalized care and the latest evidence-based treatments to manage your or your child's myopia. We understand the importance of early intervention and tailored strategies to ensure the best possible outcomes for optimal vision and eye health.
 

Our experienced myopia control specialists believe that every patient deserves a customized approach to myopia management. We will work closely with you to assess your unique needs, lifestyle, and visual requirements. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, we will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include Ortho-K, atropine eye drops, or MiSight contact lenses.
 

Take the first step towards effective myopia management by scheduling a consultation with our optometrists at Hope Vision Care. Contact us today to learn more about our personalized approach to protecting your long-term eye health.