If you are like millions of nearsighted individuals, you must be sick of always reaching for your glasses or squinting to view faraway objects. The good news is that you can enhance your vision with the help of several treatments.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a vision condition resulting from a cornea that is too steep or an eyeball that is too stretched. The condition makes the light entering the eye focus in front of the retina instead of straight onto it. This results in blurry vision when looking at distant objects. 

Myopia typically starts during childhood and can progress until the late teens or early twenties. If untreated, it can cause high myopia and raise the chance of developing various eye complications later in life.

Effective Myopia Treatments

Prescription Eyeglasses

One of the most popular and efficient treatments for myopia is wearing prescription eyewear. They work by bending light entering the eyes to focus it correctly onto the retina, providing clear vision. 

They are noninvasive, safe, and easily customizable to suit each individual's vision needs. These are popular for kids and adults because they come in various styles and designs.

Contact Lenses

This is another effective option for managing myopia. Contacts sit directly on the cornea and correct how light enters the eyes to focus correctly on the retina. They are available in different types, including daily disposable, monthly disposable, and rigid gas-permeable lenses. 

They give users crystal-clear eyesight without the need for glasses. Many favor them, especially those participating in sports or other vigorous activities.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-k)

Orthokeratology, or corneal reshaping lenses, is a nonsurgical treatment for myopia. It involves wearing special gas-permeable contact lenses while you sleep. They reshape the cornea, temporarily correcting the eye's curvature and allowing light to focus properly on the retina. 

Once removed in the morning, one enjoys clear vision throughout the day without eyeglasses or contact lenses. These lenses can slow the progression of myopia in children. They can be an excellent solution for avoiding corrective glasses all day.

Low-dose Atropine Eye Drops

There is an increasing interest in low-dose atropine eye drops as a potential myopia cure. Atropine is a drug that relaxes the eye's focusing muscles and dilates the pupils. This lessens eye fatigue and delays the development of myopia. 

Low-dose atropine eye drops, commonly applied before sleep, can be beneficial in slowing myopia progression in children. But due to potential adverse effects, you must only use them under the guidance of an eye care specialist.

Outdoor Time

Experts link spending time outdoors with a reduced risk of myopia development and progression. This is especially true in children. Outdoor activities expose the eyes to natural sunlight. This can have a protective effect against myopia. 

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that controls eye growth and can stop the eyeball from elongating. Sunlight aids in controlling dopamine release. So, encourage your little ones to spend more time outside and partake in outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Myopia control is essential for preserving healthy eyes and sharp vision. With various therapies available, you can take action to slow myopia progression and benefit from clearer vision. Consult an eye care specialist to choose the best treatment for your unique circumstances.

For more information on myopia, visit 20/20 EyeVenue at our Westminster or Strasburg, Colorado office. Call (720) 740-0400 to schedule an appointment today.