Myopia Control
Myopia or nearsightedness is a growing problem for young people around the world. It occurs with elongation of the eye. Developing high myopia can lead to sight threatening eye problems as we get older including myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.
There is no known cure for myopia, however there are ways to help control how rapidly it progresses. Myopia control methods help to slow and limit elongation of the eye. Some of these methods include:
- Eye Drops using low dose atropine have been shown to slow myopia progression. Atropine is a very potent dilating drop that has been used for many years in eyecare. Atropine for myopia control is an off label use of the drug in much lower concentrations that have minimal effect on pupil size and accommodative function. There have been many studies on the efficacy and safety of low dose atropine. Follow the links below to see the results of the LAMP phase 1 and 2 studies.
- Specially designed soft multifocal contact lenses
- Myopia control contact lenses are very different from traditional contact lenses. They have full focusing power in the center but less power around the periphery. This is called peripheral myopic defocus. Research shows that focusing light in front of the peripheral retina can help stop the eye from growing longer. In fact, myopia control contact lenses can slow myopia progression by up to 59%.
- At Poughkeepsie Optometry, we have successfully used the NaturalVue lens for over 5 years to help reduce myopia progression
- Orthokeratology or Corneal Refractive Therapy, using custom made rigid gas permeable contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea overnight. This lens option works like a retainer for the eyes. When you remove the lens in the morning, your distance vision is clear, eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day.
- For orthokeratology, our lens of choice is the Euclid Emerald Max
- Insertion and Removal of Euclid Ortho-K Lenses
- Myopia control glasses work similarly to myopia control soft contact lenses by using peripheral myopic defocus. Unfortunately, none have been approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA at this time. We look forward to being able to offer them as they become available.
