Myopia Management For Better Eye Health In Jackson County
Our Seymour practice recognizes myopia (nearsightedness) as a growing concern that can significantly affect quality of life. With the rise in digital screen use and changes in lifestyle factors, myopia rates have surged, particularly among children. We offer our patients personalized treatments to slow the progression of nearsightedness for improved future eye health.
What is Nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina instead of directly on its surface. This results in blurry vision when looking at distant objects, while close objects appear clear. Myopia can develop rapidly or gradually, often worsening during childhood and adolescence.
Understanding the Causes of Myopia
The exact cause of myopia is multifaceted, involving genetic and environmental factors. A family history of myopia increases the risk, indicating a significant genetic component. Environmental influences, such as prolonged near work (reading, computer use) and limited outdoor activities, have also been linked to the development and progression of myopia in children.
Can Myopia Be Reversed?
You cannot reverse myopia by permanently correcting the elongation of the eyeball or the optical properties that cause it. However, several effective treatments and management strategies can correct myopia's visual effects and slow its progression.
Early Indicators of Nearsightedness in Children
Parents should be vigilant for signs of myopia in their children, which may include:
- Squinting
- Excessive blinking
- Sitting closer to screens or televisions
- Apparent unawareness of distant objects
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Difficulty seeing the board in school
- Frequent headaches
- Complaining of blurry vision
- Covering or closing one eye to read or see
Advanced Solutions for Myopia at Seymour Eye Clinic
Our practice is committed to providing comprehensive myopia management strategies to safeguard our patients' vision. Combining the latest research with personalized care allows us to control progression effectively. Our myopia treatment options include:
Corneal Reshaping Therapy (CRT) and Orthokeratology
One effective method we use is CRT, also known as orthokeratology. This non-surgical approach uses specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea's curvature. Patients wake up to clearer vision throughout the day without needing glasses or contact lenses. CRT slows the progression of myopia in children.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Another option is multifocal contact lenses, which correct distance vision and reduce the strain on the eye during near work. These lenses have different power zones for distance and near vision, which can help manage myopia progression by reducing the eye's focusing effort.
Atropine Eye Drops
A low concentration of atropine eye drops has emerged as a simple yet effective treatment to slow myopia progression. The drops are applied nightly and relax the eye's focusing mechanism, potentially reducing the rate at which myopia worsens.
Let Seymour Eye Clinic guide you and your family through the options to find the best solution for managing myopia and preserving long-term eye health.
