Myopia is a worldwide problem. Treatment strategies and offerings from eye care professionals vary greatly. Use this website to learn about the various forms of treatment, and search for the eye doctor that provides the services you desire.
Here are the primary treatment strategies offered to patients with myopia: Please view our MYOPIA RESEARCH page for current research on the following topics related to myopia control and treatment.
Spectacles
One of the key tools in managing myopia is the spectacles worn by the individual. There are various theories supporting the prescribing for myopia in an effort to slow the progression. Additionally, your eye care professional will counsel you on various coatings and treatments to lenses, including anti-reflective coatings, glare control, tints, and ultra-violet (UV) protection.
Bifocal Spectacles
There is evidence that by prescribing a bifocal for the myopic child (not for the same reasons as for adults experience what is called “presbyopia,” myopia’s rate of change can be influenced. This strategy has been used over 40 years and is still undergoing clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness.
Soft Contact Lenses
Highly technically designed soft contact lenses are now undergoing testing for the control of myopia.
Rigid Contact Lenses
Also used for more than 40 years for myopia control, rigid contact lenses have been shown to slow the progression of myopia. Unlike the very old fashioned PMMA hard lenses, gas permeable lenses breath and offer much better eye health to the contact lens wearer as a result.
Refractive Surgery
Refractive surgery can be considered a form of treatment of myopia. Although it is not considered a method of controlling or slowing, it is certainly an option that will allow the myopic individual the joy of life without eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Cycloplegic (medication) Treatment
An exciting area of vision care is the use of medication to slow myopia. Low-dose medications that relax the focusing mechanisms inside the eye have been shown to effectively slow the progression of myopia. The side effects are minimal and the results appear promising!