Myopia (nearsightedness) is the refractive condition of the eye which makes objects in the distance difficult to see. Myopia is an increasingly common condition. As we grow our genetics and environment cause the eye to elongate leading to increased myopia. In the last three decades the rate of myopia in the U.S. has gone from 25% to over 40%. Worldwide the estimates are that over half the population will be myopic by 2050.
Myopia can increase your risk for specific eye disease. High myopia can lead to myopic degeneration causing best corrected vision to be less than 20/20. Myopia also increases our risk for retinal detachments, glaucoma and cataract formation. All of which can lead to loss of vision.
The goal of myopia management is to suppress growth of the eye (stop axial elongation) to prevent increasing refractive error. This subsequently reduces risk of associated eye disease and caught early enough our dependency on glasses and contact lenses. The way we focus light on the retina (the back of the eye) reduces the stimulus for growth/elongation.
Make an appointment with West Michigan Eyecare’s experienced doctors to talk about treatment options.
We currently offer three of the most advanced treatment options:
- Overnight Corneal Reshaping (Orthokeratology, Ortho-K, CRT) More info here
- Daily soft contact lenses (Mi Sight- only FDA approved soft lens for reducing myopic progression)
- Drop Therapy (Atropine therapy)
Please contact our office to schedule an appointment if you have any questions or would like to speak with someone more specifically about treatment options for you or your family.
Helpful information about this Myopia Management can be found here https://www.mykidsvision.org/en-us
FAQ about Myopia
Question: How is myopia diagnosed?
Answer: Your eye doctor will be able to diagnose you or your child at their eye health exam. This is why it is important to have routine checks, even if your child does not demonstrate any symptoms
Question: What is the big deal if my child develops myopia? My whole family wears glasses.
Answer: Myopia puts you at risk long term for major eye disease including retinal detachment, cataracts, glaucoma and myopic maculopathy. Also, higher prescriptions can be more difficult to correct and may incur more cost to correct in glasses and contacts
Question: What causes myopia development and progression?
Answer: Genetics (having one, or both, parents with myopia will increase your risk) and environment (exposure to natural outdoor light reduces the risk of early myopia onset).
Question: Why is early onset of myopia concerning?
Answer: Studies have shown that those with early onset will become more myopic over time, which increases the risk for those specific eye diseases.