Have you ever wished that you could wake up one day without the need for glasses or contact lenses? This is a dream for many people who suffer from myopia, also known as nearsightedness. But can myopia be cured or reversed completely?
The short answer is no, however, myopia can be corrected by glasses or contact lenses, and treatments are available to manage the progression of myopia in children. Treatment options include specialized multifocal lenses and atropine drops.
In adults, surgery options like LASIK can reduce or eliminate dependence on corrective lenses by reshaping the cornea, though this does not cure myopia.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up objects can be seen clearly. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly onto it. This leads to blurred vision, which can make tasks such as driving or watching TV difficult.
Myopia typically develops in childhood and can worsen during the teenage years. It’s estimated that around 30% of the world’s population has myopia, and this number is expected to increase to nearly 50% by 2050.
Early intervention in childhood is crucial to manage myopia and prevent it from progressing further. Regular eye exams can help detect myopia early on, and treatment options such as glasses, contact lenses, and orthokeratology (corneal reshaping lenses) can help improve vision.
The Importance of Early Intervention
While myopia can’t be reversed, early intervention is important for management.
Early intervention with myopia management techniques can help slow down or even stop the progression of myopia. This not only reduces the need for stronger corrective lenses but also lowers the risk of future eye problems.
Early intervention can include measures like limiting screen time, taking regular breaks from close-up work, and spending more time outdoors.
It can also include preventive options like scheduling regular children’s exams.
At Airdrie Family Eye Doctors, we measure the axial length of the eyes of every child who comes into our office. Because axial length can be one of the biggest indicators of myopia, this gives us a head start on finding and managing the condition—thereby protecting your child’s future vision.
Myopia Management for Children
Lifestyle Changes
One of the most common ways to manage myopia is through lifestyle changes. This includes reducing screen time and spending more time outdoors.
Studies have shown that excessive near-work activities such as reading or using electronic devices for an extended period can contribute to the development and progression of myopia. Therefore, limiting screen time and taking regular breaks from close work can help reduce the risk of developing myopia in children.
Moreover, spending more time outdoors has been linked with a lower incidence of myopia. Natural light exposure may play a role in regulating eye growth.
Prescription Lenses
In adults, prescription lenses such as glasses or contact lenses are used to correct myopic vision.
In children, corrective lenses can also be used for myopia management. Specialized multifocal glasses and contact lenses slow the progression of myopia by altering how light enters the eye in a way that reduces axial elongation of the eyeball.
Other Interventions
In some cases, therapeutic interventions may be recommended to manage myopia in children. These treatments aim to control or even reverse the progression of myopia by targeting specific factors that contribute to its development. For example, atropine eye drops have been shown to effectively slow down the progression of myopia by relaxing the muscles responsible for controlling near vision.
Surgical Options
In severe cases of myopia, surgery may be recommended to correct vision and prevent further progression. Refractive surgeries such as LASIK or PRK can reshape the cornea to improve nearsightedness. However, these procedures are typically only recommended for adults.
Empower Your Child’s Vision at Airdrie Family Eye Doctors
Myopia is a common vision condition that causes difficulty seeing objects at a distance. While it can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses, it’s important to actively manage myopia early on to prevent its progression and potential complications later in life. With early intervention and proper care, we can help your child maintain clear vision and keep them seeing better for longer.
At Airdrie Family Eye Doctors, we offer comprehensive eye exams and myopia management programs for children. Schedule an appointment today and keep your child’s future vision intact!
