FAQs
Can myopia be controlled?
If you’re wondering how to control myopia progression, it can be controlled using spectacles, contact lenses and atropine eye drops. However, it’s important to note that there is no way to stop its progression completely.
If you’re concerned about myopia, talk to your eye doctor about the best options for myopia control. With the right treatment, you can help keep your vision clear and prevent further deterioration of your sight.
How does myopia control treatment work?
Myopia control treatment works by reducing the amount the eye grows. For instance, specially designed glasses, contact lenses or atropine eye drops are one of the few known ways to control myopia progression. By slowing down the rate of eye growth, myopia control treatments can help prevent or reduce myopia’s severity.
By keeping the eye from growing too long, myopia control treatments can also reduce the risk of other complications, such as retinal detachments. As a result, myopia control therapy can be an important part of preserving vision and maintaining eye health.
What is the most effective myopia control method?
Orthokeratology contact lenses, specialty myopia control spectacle lenses, soft myopia control contact lenses and topical pharmaceutical agents such as atropine are all great options:
- Orthokeratology contact lenses are specially designed to reshape your cornea temporarily to slow down myopia progression.
- Myopia control spectacles lenses such as Miyosmart and Stellest offer excellent myopia control in a spectacle form.
- Soft myopia control contact lenses work in a similar principle to orthokeratology but in a daily soft contact lens form.
- Topical pharmaceutical agents like atropine help relax the ciliary muscles in your eye and slow down myopia progression.
If you’re wondering how to control myopia, know that it depends on your individual needs and preferences. Talk to an optometrist to determine which option suits you.
When should myopia be controlled?
It is generally recommended to begin myopia control therapy when you are at high risk of eventually having high myopia (> -6.00).
What type of lens is used for myopia?
Myopia can be treated using concave lenses, which help push the rays of light further apart so that they arrive together in proper focus at the back of the eye. While concave lenses can help improve your vision, there are other ways to prevent myopia progression, like spending time outside in natural light and taking regular breaks from looking at screens.
How can I control myopia naturally?
If you’re wondering how to control myopia naturally, there are a few things you can do:
- Limit your time on your personal devices such as phones, tablets and computer screens.
- Take breaks while using your personal devices. Take a 20 second break every 20 minutes.
- Maintain a good distance from your screen, minimum 40cm for phones & tablets and 70cm for monitors.
- Spend more time outdoors. Spending 2 hours a day outdoors can significantly reduce your risk of myopia progression.
What age does myopia start?
Myopia typically starts during childhood, between the ages of six and 12. Studies have shown that a sizeable proportion of school-age children will develop myopia. Undiagnosed myopia can lead to poor academic performance and a lack of interest in activities, which is why all children need to have their eyes tested regularly.
Does myopia worsen without glasses?
While some explanations indicate that myopia may worsen without glasses, others do not. The best way to properly manage your myopia is to visit an optometrist specialising in personalised eye care, such as ourselves. Through careful monitoring and occasional adjustments to your prescription, it should be possible to minimise myopia’s effect on daily life.
Does myopia affect your brain?
Myopia is a condition that only affects the eyes, not the brain. However, if left uncorrected, it can lead to developmental problems in school-age children as they find it more challenging to follow what is happening in a classroom environment. With this in mind, we strongly recommend that parents of younger children regularly bring them in for a comprehensive eye test. Contact us now if you would like to make an appointment for an eye test in Sydney.
What slows myopia?
Experts are not in total agreement when it comes to ways to slow the progression of myopia. However, some studies indicate that less time spent using smartphones and tablets is a good place to start. Clinical studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of certain pharmacological treatments in recent years. Orthokeratology and other myopia control contact lens and spectacles treatments have been studied and shown to have good effect. At present, we believe a personalised eye care plan is the best way to manage myopia for people of all ages.
Is myopia lifelong?
Myopia is usually a permanent condition, can continue to increase at any age group.