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What is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too steep, causing light to focus incorrectly on the retina. As a result, people with myopia have difficulty seeing objects that are far away, but can see objects that are up close clearly.
Symptoms of myopia include difficulty seeing objects in the distance, eyestrain, and headaches. These symptoms can be managed with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. However, it is important to note that myopia can progress over time, so regular eye exams are important to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
What Causes Myopia?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of myopia. Some of the most common causes include:
- Genetics: Myopia tends to run in families, so people who have a family history of the condition are more likely to develop it.
- Environmental factors: Spending a lot of time indoors, especially in low light conditions, and engaging in activities that require close-up work, such as reading or using computers, can increase the risk of developing myopia.
- Lifestyle habits: A diet that is low in antioxidants and other nutrients that are important for eye health may increase the risk of myopia.
- Health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, may increase the risk of myopia.
It is important to note that myopia is not caused by any one factor, and the specific cause of the condition may vary from person to person.
Myopia Management
If you or a loved one is struggling with myopia, also known as nearsightedness, our team is here to help. At our clinic, we offer a range of specialized services to help manage and slow the progression of myopia.
Our team of experienced eye care professionals will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs. This may include the use of specialized eyeglasses or contact lenses, as well as other techniques such as orthokeratology and pharmaceutical interventions.
In addition to our myopia management services, we also offer comprehensive eye exams and follow-up care to ensure that your eyes remain healthy and your vision is at its best.
Don’t let myopia get in the way of your daily activities. Contact the Michigan Contact Lens Myopia Management Clinic today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards better vision.
Why It's Important To Slow Down Myopia
- Prevent the onset of blinding ocular conditions: Myopia is associated with an increased risk of certain eye conditions such as glaucoma and retinal detachment, which can lead to vision loss. By slowing down the progression of myopia, you can reduce your risk of developing these conditions and maintain good eye health.
- See better uncorrected: If myopia progresses, you may need stronger eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct your vision. By slowing down the progression of the condition, you may be able to see better without the need for correction.
- Improve chances of being a candidate for refractive surgery: If you are considering refractive surgery to correct your vision, you may be more likely to be a candidate if your myopia is well-controlled. By slowing down the progression of the condition, you may be more likely to be a candidate for this type of procedure.
How Michigan Contact Lens Can Help With Myopia Management
While myopia currently has no permanent cure, our team at Michigan Contact Lens is dedicated to helping you manage and slow down its progression through a range of innovative treatments. These include:
- Orthokeratology (ortho-k): This is a non-surgical treatment in which the patient wears special contact lenses at night that reshapes the cornea, reducing the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. Ortho-k has been shown to slow down the progression of myopia in children and adolescents.
- Atropine eye drops: Atropine is a medication that can be used to relax the focusing muscles in the eye and slow down the progression of myopia. It is usually given as eye drops and is most effective in children and adolescents.
- Multifocal contact lenses: These are contacts that have multiple prescriptions, allowing the wearer to see clearly at different distances. They may be able to slow down the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. MiSight contact lenses are the only FDA approved contact lens for myopia control on the market as of 2023.
By using proven treatments for slowing the progression of myopia, the Michigan Contact Lens Myopia Management Clinic paves the way for a better quality of life and clearer vision for all our patients. We are committed to providing the highest level of care and service to our patients. Contact us today to schedule your myopia management consultation and take the first step toward healthier vision. Visit our Michigan Contact Lens practice near Novi.
Myopia Control Frequently Asked Questions
Myopia control refers to the various techniques and treatments aimed at slowing down or halting the progression of myopia (nearsightedness). It is important because high degrees of myopia can increase the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment later in life.
Myopia control works by employing different strategies to modify the growth and elongation of the eyeball, which is the underlying cause of myopia progression. These strategies may include the use of specific contact lenses, orthokeratology, pharmacological interventions, and lifestyle changes.
Myopia control should ideally be started in childhood or early adolescence, as this is the period when most individuals experience rapid myopia progression. However, myopia control can also be effective for adults, although the progression may be slower.
Several methods of myopia control are available, including multifocal contact lenses, orthokeratology (corneal reshaping lenses), atropine eye drops, and peripheral defocus modifying glasses. Each method has its own advantages, and the most suitable option can be determined based on factors such as age and lifestyle.
While myopia control methods are generally considered safe, some treatments may have potential risks or side effects. For example, orthokeratology lenses can cause temporary discomfort and increase the risk of corneal infections if not properly maintained. Atropine eye drops may cause light sensitivity and near vision blur. It is crucial to consult with an eye care professional to understand and minimize any potential risks.
While myopia control methods have been successful in slowing down myopia progression, they may not completely stop it. The degree of effectiveness may vary depending on factors such as the age of the individual, the severity of myopia, and the chosen method of control.
The time required to see results from myopia control methods can vary. Some individuals may experience a significant reduction in myopia progression within a few months, while for others, it may take longer. Regular monitoring by an eye care professional is necessary to assess the effectiveness of the chosen myopia control method.
Myopia control methods are primarily focused on children and teenagers because they are more likely to experience rapid myopia progression. However, myopia control can also be beneficial for adults, especially for those who have moderate to high degrees of myopia.
The need for glasses or contact lenses as a part of myopia control depends on the chosen method. For example, some methods like multifocal contact lenses or orthokeratology require the use of specific lenses, while others like atropine eye drops or peripheral defocus modifying glasses may not necessitate additional vision correction.
In addition to specific treatments, certain lifestyle changes can contribute to myopia control. These may include spending more time outdoors, taking frequent breaks from near work (such as reading or using digital devices), maintaining good lighting conditions, and practicing proper eye hygiene. These habits can help alleviate eye strain and potentially reduce myopia progression.
Please call our eye specialists near you for more scleral contact lens information.
Michigan Contact Lens Specialists
If you’re in need of a specialty contact lens or have been having a hard time getting fitted with soft contact lenses, call MCL today!
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