Myopia management, also known as myopia control, is a set of eye care practices that aim to slow down the progression of nearsightedness (myopia). Myopia is a common vision condition that occurs when the eyeball is too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Myopia typically begins in childhood and can continue to worsen throughout adolescence and into adulthood.
Myopia management strategies can include:
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Spectacles: Wearing glasses that are specifically designed to control myopia progression.
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Contact lenses: Using certain types of contact lenses, such as orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, which are designed to temporarily reshape the cornea during sleep. This can improve near vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day.
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Atropine eye drops: Atropine is a medication that can be used in low doses to help control myopia progression. Atropine works by blocking the action of certain muscles in the eye, which can help to prevent the eyeball from growing too long.
Myopia management is most effective when it is started early in childhood, as this is when the eyeball is growing most rapidly. However, myopia management can also be effective for older children and adults.
The goals of myopia management are to:
- Slow down the progression of myopia
- Reduce the risk of developing high myopia, which can lead to serious eye problems such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and glaucoma
- Improve the quality of life for people with myopia
