Myopia Management

Slow the progression of this extremely common condition that greatly affects your vision

Myopia affects more than a billion people around the world, including 42% of people 12-54 in the United States and that percentage is on the rise. Myopia is an issue that can hinder your child’s learning and can set them back from an early age.

If you notice objects far away are blurry, call Vision Source Oviedo or schedule an appointment online.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, is the eye condition in which objects nearby or a short distance away are clear but objects that are far away are blurred.  Caused by gradual elongation of the eye, rays of light do not focus properly on the retina creating a blurred image.   Myopia can make it difficult for children to learn in school or for adults to drive a car safely. Progressive myopia can also lead to thinning of the retina, which can lead to increased risk of eye diseases like retinal detachments.

Who is at risk for developing Myopia?

Both genetics and environment play a role in the development of myopia.

Risk factors include:

• Parental Myopia:  By having one myopic parent you are 3 times more likely to develop myopia.  If both parents are myopic you are 6 times more likely.
• Ethnicity:  Asian population (37-60%)  American and Western Europe (25-33%)
• Age and prescription:  Having less hyperopic correction at a young age.
• Environmental factors:  Increased near vision demand (reading, school work, computers, tablets, cell phones, etc.). and less outdoor time.

How do I reduce Myopia?

The eye naturally lengthens up to the age of around twenty years old.  Myopic children tend to have an acceleration of this lengthening making them more nearsighted.  If you are already myopic you can not reduce it but you can reduce the amount of progression.

Proven methods to reduce the progression of myopia include:

1. Putting limits on screen time and the amount of near vision tasks.
2. Spending more time outdoors.
3. Atropine eye drops
4. Distance-center multifocal contact lenses
5. Orthokeratology
6. Multifocal eyeglasses

Each method offers different benefits to those suffering from myopia.  Our experienced doctors will help you determine the best treatment for you or your child base on individual needs.

How is Myopia diagnosed and treated?

Myopia is diagnosed generally during a comprehensive eye examination.  During the refraction portion of the examination lenses will be presented to improve vision on the distance eye chart.  In the past myopia was always “treated” with glasses and conventional contact lenses to improve acuity and help people see better. The problem with this approach is that it does nothing to slow the progression of myopia.  Recent scientific studies have shown around a 60% reduction in the progression on myopia with medication or a special type of contact lens.

We have had great results for children between the ages of 5 to 20 with  orthokeratology.  The benefits include, an overall 60% reduction in the amount of progression of myopia, no daytime contacts or glasses, no medication, and ease of care and wear.