Myopia or nearsightedness is a common vision problem that usually requires the use of eyewear to correct the problem. Besides affecting vision, myopia can increase the risk of developing serious eye diseases later in life. The problem occurs when light getting into the eye focuses in front of rather than on the retina. 

Myopia usually onsets in childhood and worsens over time as the eye grows. Myopia management can help halt or slow down the disease progression. Here are reasons why myopia management is essential.  

Traditional Myopia Correction Options

Traditional methods of vision correction involve the use of corrective lenses. Eyeglasses and contact lenses help correct vision errors. Unfortunately, corrective lenses can focus light in a way that causes the eye axial length to increase. 

It can cause myopia to worsen as the eye grows or develops. It is a significant reason many patients usually require a stronger prescription for their lenses every one or two years. 

Why Myopia Management Is Important

Studies show that myopia management treatment can help slow down or stop myopia progression. It can help reduce progression by up to 78 percent. The management is effective during childhood and early teenage years. 

Management can reduce the child’s risk of developing eye diseases in the future by keeping myopia low. Myopia management includes using eye drops, eyeglasses, and special contact lenses. 

When to Start Myopia Management

The best time to start myopia management is as soon as possible. It will help ensure optimal results. Myopia tends to worsen over the teenage years before stabilizing in early adulthood. It means that the childhood years are the most vital for myopia management. As soon as your child is diagnosed with myopia, talk to the eye doctor about myopia management options.

Orthokeratology for Myopia Control 

Orthokeratology or ortho-k is a myopia management technique that involves the use of special rigid contact lenses. The lenses help reshape the cornea surface while the patient sleeps. Flattening the cornea changes the way light focuses on the retina. 

The lenses are inserted before bed and removed in the morning. Ortho-k allows the child to enjoy clear vision all day without wearing glasses or contacts. 

Vision Therapy and Myopia Control

Vision therapy has proven to be effective in controlling myopia progression. Children who develop myopia due to decreased eye focusing skills can benefit from the therapy. Kids with reduced focusing skills have a higher risk of developing high or progressive myopia. 

Therapy involves using a personalized program to train the child’s visual system. It helps improve the eye-brain connection, allowing it to work more efficiently and improve focusing abilities. 

Myopia management helps protect eye health. Children with myopia have an increased risk of developing sight-threatening eye conditions in the future. These are eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration. Myopia management needs tailoring for every patient. An eye exam will help the eye specialist evaluate your child and determine the best management option.

For more on why myopia management is essential, visit Today’s Vision at our Laguna Niguel, California office. Call (949) 518-0055 to schedule an appointment today.