When it comes to vision disorders, myopia is one of the most prevalent around the world. It's a condition that affects the ability to see distant objects clearly while close objects appear sharp. Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea, the protective outer layer of the eye, is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurred distant vision.
 

What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Myopia?

Myopia can be hereditary, meaning if you have parents or siblings with myopia, you're more likely to develop it too. It can also be influenced by environmental factors such as spending excessive time doing close work, such as reading or working on a computer. The symptoms of myopia typically include difficulty seeing distant objects, squinting, eye strain, and headaches.
 

The Evolution of Myopia Treatment

Myopia treatment has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, the most common treatment for myopia was prescription glasses or contact lenses. These corrective lenses work by refocusing light onto the retina, which helps to compensate for the elongated shape of the myopic eye. However, glasses and lenses only correct the symptoms of myopia and do not stop the progression of the condition.
 

Surgical interventions such as LASIK and PRK became popular as they offered a permanent solution to correct myopia. These procedures involve reshaping the cornea with a laser to allow light to focus properly onto the retina. While effective, they come with risks, including dry eyes, glare, and in rare cases, vision loss.
 

Latest Advancements in Myopia Treatment

In recent years, there have been several interesting advancements in myopia treatment. One of the most promising is the development of atropine eye drops. Atropine is a drug that has been used for many years to dilate the pupils. Recent studies have shown that using a very low dose of atropine can slow the progression of myopia in children by up to 50%. This treatment is currently being studied extensively and has been approved for use in some countries.
 

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is another innovative myopia treatment that has gained traction. Ortho-K involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight that gently reshape the cornea. In the morning, the lenses are removed, and the individual can see clearly without needing glasses or contact lenses for the rest of the day. Studies have shown that Ortho-K can also slow the progression of myopia in children.
 

Multifocal contact lenses and eyeglasses have shown promise in slowing the progression of myopia in children. These devices work by focusing light in front of the peripheral retina, which is believed to slow the elongation of the eye.
 

Navigating Myopia Effectively 

As we continue to understand more about the causes and symptoms of myopia, we're better equipped to develop effective treatments. The latest advancements in myopia treatment are encouraging and offer hope for those dealing with this common vision disorder. While glasses and contact lenses always have a role in managing myopia, the future of treatment lies in not only correcting blurred vision but also slowing the progression of the condition. It's important to remember that regular eye exams are crucial in detecting and managing myopia. 
 

If you or your child are experiencing any symptoms of myopia, visit Savaglio Family Vision at our office in Kenosha, Wisconsin. We provide quality eye care services and products for the entire family. Please call 262-657-7850 to schedule an appointment today.