Myopia Management Eye Doctor in Grand Prairie

Myopia is an eye condition that causes nearsightedness or shortsightedness. The condition usually starts during childhood and progresses over a period of time. The condition may fully manifest in teen years or adulthood depending on the progression rate in the individual. Myopia management involves techniques used to slow down the progression of the disease.

Myopia can be detected during your child’s regular eye exams. That is why it is important to take your child to the eye doctor for a checkup a few times during their childhood. If your child has myopia, your eye doctor will talk to you about the management of the condition to deter quick progression.

How the condition progresses depends on a few factors such as genetics, prolonged use of devices, spending less time outdoors, and the natural eye growth in children. Myopia may be managed in the following ways:

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology or Ortho-K involves the use of contact lenses that are designed to reshape the cornea. The contact lenses are worn during the night and they are proven to significantly reduce the rate of progression of the condition. The temporary reshaping of the cornea during the night helps clear the vision for the next day.

Atropine drops

Atropine drops are used to treat several eye conditions but research shows that a small dosage of atropine drops helps to slow the progression of myopia.

Multifocal lenses

Patients who have a high level of myopia can use multifocal lenses. These lenses have a center that focuses on far objects and an outer layer that helps the patient see near objects.

The eye doctor helps in choosing the best management technique for a patient depending on:

  • The age of the patient. Children can start wearing contact lenses from the age of 8.
  • The level of myopia. If the patient has high levels of myopia, multifocal lenses may be the best option.
  • The lifestyle of the patient. If the patient is highly active during the day or they work in a dusty environment, they may consider night contact lenses.

If your eye doctor has talked to you about myopia in your child or yourself, consider starting myopia management right away.