A Guide to Different Myopia Control Methods

Myopia affects about 30% of children and teenagers in the United States. This refractive error is caused by an irregularly shaped eyeball, and it usually emerges in the developmental years. Young children in particular may not realize they have a vision problem, so it’s best to have their eyes checked by an optometrist regularly.

In this article, your trusted eye doctor at Six One Six Vision Center discusses some of the most common methods used in myopia control.

Multifocal Eyeglasses and Contacts

These are used to help patients with refractive errors to see clearly at all distances. They can also help slow the progression of myopia in children. According to a study, the progression of myopia was slowed in 51% of children who wore multifocal lenses on a daily basis.

Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine eye drops are typically used to reduce the pain caused by certain types of eye inflammation. However, they can also be used to relieve focusing fatigue, as they dilate the pupils and temporarily limit the eye’s ability to automatically change focus. According to some studies, atropine can reduce myopia progression by up to 77%.

Ortho-K

Ortho-k lenses, also known as corneal reshaping lenses, are worn only at night when the patient is asleep. They are removed in the morning, and the patient can then enjoy clear eyesight temporarily throughout the day.

Six One Six Vision Center provides a good selection of quality eyeglasses and contact lenses. We can also perform comprehensive eye exams, offering our expertise in various areas of eye care. Call us at (208) 514-1858 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment. We serve patients in Eagle and Meridian, ID.