Current estimates show that over a million Americans have been diagnosed with myopia or shortsightedness. This means that objects that are further away are blurry, while objects that are closer can be clearly seen. Due to the seemingly regular occurrence of myopia, many patients feel that it really isn’t a big deal and that eventually, most people will have the condition.
 

However, myopia also comes with an increased risk of other eye conditions. Glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and myopic macular degeneration have all been linked to myopia. Starting a treatment plan to help manage or slow the progression of myopia, for you or your child can have a substantial impact on eyesight throughout a person’s life.
 

There are many different tactics that patients can utilize when they are involved in a plan for myopia management. Patients often use Gentle Vision Shaping System (GVSS), atropine treatments, multifocal contact lenses, or changes to their lifestyle. We want to make sure that you understand all of your options, but it's helpful to know a little bit about each choice first!

 

Gentle Vision Shaping

Gentle Vision Shaping (GVSS), or orthokeratology, is a treatment option that results in clear vision during the day without having to wear contact lenses. Children who use GVSS lenses have reduced steepness and change to their eyes. Gentle Vision Shaping has shown to be effective at slowing the progression of myopia.

This therapy utilizes special oxygen permeable lens retainers. The lens retainer is designed to gently correct the shape of your eyes while you sleep to give your eye the proper angle. Eyes can typically hold the right shape for a day, and up to three days after the lenses have been worn. Patients simply place the lenses in their eyes right before they go to sleep, and then remove them when they wake up. This means that you can see clearly throughout the day without the use of corrective lenses.

 

Atropine Therapy

Atropine therapy utilizes specially medicated eye drops that are placed into each eye. The medication paralyzes the pupil of the eye and effectively dilates the eye. This allows the focusing mechanism of the eye to relax and reduces strain on the eye. Atropine therapies are typically used for patients who have developed myopia as a result of focusing on fatigue. This medication is not used for routine eye exam dilation, because the effects can take up to a week to wear off. However, this allows patients to experience longer periods between applications. Some studies suggest that during the first year, atropine therapy can have an average reduction on myopia progression in over 80 percent of nearsighted children.

 

Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses

Recent studies have shown that multifocal soft contact lenses are more effective than eyeglasses in the treatment of myopia and as effective as Gentle Vision Shaping. Multifocal soft contact lenses are specially designed soft contacts that can help reduce the strain on the eye. The reduction in eye stress is believed to be an important factor in slowing the progression of myopia. This lens type is similar in feel to normal soft contact lenses, and many children or adolescents find them comfortable and easy to use.

 

Lifestyle Changes

Of course, another major factor in the success of any of these treatments depends on how we use our eyes, and how we care for our eyes. Simply changing our lifestyle to help reduce stress and strain on our eyes can help to slow the progression of myopia. One recent study found that myopia was also reduced by allowing children to get outside more frequently. The natural lighting and potentially, the physical activity lead to healthier children, which has shown to slow myopia.

 

Overview

If you or your child has been diagnosed with myopia, contact our offices today to schedule a consultation. Inclima Eye Care has a wealth of experience and knowledge in all of the methods for myopia control, and we can answer your questions today!