Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error affecting millions worldwide. It occurs when the eye is too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. This makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly, but close things remain clear.
Myopia is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in urban areas, and it often begins in childhood or adolescence. In some cases, it can progress rapidly, leading to high levels of myopia, which can have serious consequences for eye health.
High myopia, defined as a refractive error of -6.00 diopters (D) or worse, can lead to a range of eye problems, including retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions can have a significant impact on vision and quality of life and can even lead to blindness in severe cases.
At our office, we offer a range of treatments for myopia progression, including orthokeratology, multifocal contact lenses, and low-dose atropine drops. Let's take a closer look at each of these options.
Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical method of correcting myopia. It involves wearing a special type of contact lens that gently reshapes the cornea while you sleep. When you wake up, you remove the lenses and enjoy clear vision throughout the day. Ortho-K is a great option for children and adults who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses, and it has been shown to slow the progression of myopia.
Multifocal contact lenses are another option for managing myopia progression. These lenses are designed to provide clear vision at different distances, allowing the eye to focus on both near and distant objects. This can help slow the progression of myopia by reducing the eye's need to elongate to see near objects.
Low-dose atropine drops are a relatively new treatment option for myopia progression. Atropine is a medication that dilates the pupil and temporarily paralyzes the eye's focusing muscle, which can help reduce the progression of myopia. Low-dose atropine drops are typically used once a day and have been shown to slow the progression of myopia by up to 50%.
While all of these treatments have been shown to be effective in managing myopia progression, it's important to remember that every case is unique. At our office, we work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account their individual needs, lifestyle, and goals.
In conclusion, myopia progression can have serious consequences for eye health, but there are effective treatments available to slow its progression. At our office, we offer a range of options, including orthokeratology, multifocal contact lenses, and low dose atropine drops. These treatments have been shown to be effective in managing myopia progression, but it's important to remember that each case is unique, and treatment plans should be personalized to meet the individual needs of each patient.
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