Understanding Myopia Management and Ways to Slow its Progress

Understanding Myopia Management and Ways to Slow its Progress

Understanding Myopia Management and Ways to Slow its Progress

Understanding Myopia Management and Ways to Slow its Progress

Myopia, otherwise known as nearsightedness, affects between 30% and 40% of people living in North America. Most often, doctors diagnose this eye condition before the age of 20. If you have myopia, you know first-hand how frustrating it is that everything at a distance appears blurry. Sometimes, objects may also look somewhat distorted.

Over time, myopia usually progresses. Even so, it typically levels off in the late 20s or early 30s. However, with proper management, it’s possible to slow the progression rate. That way, you wouldn’t have to live with a severe case that disrupts your life and the things you enjoy doing.
 

Ways to Manage Myopia


Below are some of the ways your eye doctor can help.
 

Prescription Glasses or Contacts


For mild to moderate myopia, you’ll likely benefit from wearing either prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Not only will the right strength prescription make a difference, but it’ll also help your eyes to focus light on the retina. As a result, objects at a distance won’t appear blurry or distorted.

The same applies to contacts. Today, an eye doctor can prescribe many different types, including those you can wear for up to 30 days. However, they don’t all work well for someone with myopia. A doctor will make the best recommendation, including temporary contacts that reshape the cornea.
 

Corrective Surgery


Thanks to advances in technology, eye specialists can offer patients with myopia several types of corrective surgery. For example, LASIK is the most common type of surgery for nearsightedness. That’s because it achieves optimal results. At the same time, LASEK and PRK are other viable options.

An eye surgeon can also implant Phakic intraocular lenses for patients with severe myopia. In addition, their corneas aren’t thick enough for LASIK or PRK. By placing these lenses just in front of the eye’s natural lens, people see amazingly well.

There’s the intraocular lens implant surgery as well. If you have severe myopia and perhaps the onset of cataracts, an eye surgeon would replace your natural lens with an artificial one.
 

Vision Therapy


Again, for milder cases of myopia, some people benefit from vision therapy. This consists of strengthening the eye muscles through a series of exercises. While it improves focus, it’s usually only offered to myopia caused by muscle spasms.
 

Self-Management Tips


Along with an eye doctor, you can also manage your myopia and slow its progression too. Here are some ways to accomplish those goals:

  • Limit the time you spend on digital devices

  • Be sure to work and read in well-lit rooms

  • Always wear sunglasses when outside

  • Don’t smoke

  • Spend time outside in natural light

  • Take frequent breaks to stretch the muscles of your eyes

  • Eat foods rich in vitamins A and C, along with lutein


For help managing your myopia and slowing its progress, you can visit one of Dr. Fallon Patel and Associates locations in Oakville, Burlington, or Hamilton, Ontario. Call us at 905-845-5653, 289-266-0284, 289-678-0121, or 289-678-0120 to book an appointment.

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