Myopia (short-sightedness) is a loss of vision at long distance caused by excessive lengthening of the eye ball. Due to changes in lifestyle and increased use of technology, myopia has become much more common in recent years, and in some communities is affecting over 90% of the population. The most rapid deterioration in vision occurs in childhood.
Myopia not only leads to poor distance vision, but also increases the chances of serious and blinding eye disease such as glaucoma and retinal detachment. Fortunately medical research has given us treatments that may slow down or stop myopia if started early enough.
A comprehensive eye exam will help determine the cause of the myopia and allow us to design an individual treatment plan for the patient. The treatment plan includes one or more of the following therapies:
- Lifestyle modification (reduced computer time, increased outdoor play)
- Multifocal spectacles
- Multifocal soft contact lenses
- Ortho-K overnight rigid contact lenses
- Atropine eye drops
