Myopia Control

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EyeQue Team

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March 16, 2021

Glasses & Contacts

Can Myopia Be Controlled?

Child with myopiaAccording to the NIH, myopia (also called nearsightedness) affects 27% of the population worldwide. It occurs when the eye is longer, front to back, than normal or when the cornea is curved too steeply.

In recent years, myopia has become more common, especially in children. There is research to suggest that an increase in activities with a near-focus (video games, reading, smartphone usage) may be the cause of this trend.

What Is Myopia Control?

Whatever the reason for the increase in nearsightedness among children, doctors are looking for ways to slow the progression of this irreversible condition. These methods are referred to as myopia control.

Methods of Myopia Control

There are three methods of myopia control that are used by optometrists and ophthalmologists most often.

  1. Orthokeratology: Orthokeratology is the use of a medical device, similar to a contact lens, on the eyes while sleeping. The pressure the lens exerts on the cornea temporarily “molds” the outer layer of the eye resulting in clear vision during the waking hours. This change only lasts for a limited amount of time and requires the use of the lenses each night to maintain the molded shape of the cornea.
  2. Atropine Drops: These eye drops are normally used to dilate the pupils of the eye and are used in a typical eye exam. However, when they are given at a low dosage in the evening to children, they slow the progression of myopia.
  3. Multifocal Contact Lenses: For children between the ages of 6-12, multifocal contact lenses are a promising form of myopia control. These lenses have two basic portions that focus light: the center portion corrects nearsightedness by focusing light directly on the retina, while the outer portion focuses peripheral light in front of the retina. Studies show that focusing light in front of the retina cues the eye to slow growth.

If you’re nearsighted and need to update your glasses, the VisionCheck from EyeQue may be the answer for you. Our device works with your smartphone to easily measure your refractive error. Once you have results, you can use them to order new glasses online!

Your Vision at Your Fingertips

With the VisionCheck you can test your vision from home and use the results to order glasses online. Updating your glasses has never been easier!

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