What is the treatment for myopia?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when the refracting power of the eye is too strong. Myopia of any magnitude that interferes with the child's education or social function. Myopia >1.5 to 2 diopters in school-age children. Severe myopia (approximately >5 diopters), even if asymptomatic (because of the risk of developing bilateral refractive amblyopia. Axial length generally increases during childhood, resulting in more severe myopia in adolescence and adulthood. Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased risk of sight-threatening complications later in life (e.g., myopic retinal degeneration and retinal detachment. Strategies to prevent or slow the progression of myopia include the following:

1. Spending time outdoors – Increasing time outdoors is a simple strategy to reduce the risk of developing myopia or slow its progression. Many observational studies and clinical trials support it. The precise mechanism is uncertain but is likely related to increased light exposure and reduced near-work activities.
2. Antimuscarinic eye drops – Several randomized trials have demonstrated that topical antimuscarinic agents (e.g., Atropine, Pirenzepine) effectively delay the onset or slow myopia progression in children. This treatment has been widely used in Asia and is increasingly prescribed for children with myopia in the United States.
3. Orthokeratology – Orthokeratology involves the placement of a rigid contact lens on the cornea of a patient with myopia during sleep. The contact lens temporarily alters the shape of the cornea, improving unaided vision during the day when the patient is not wearing the contact lens. While limited data suggest that orthokeratology may reduce myopic progression, more robust studies are needed. The authors of this topic do not prescribe orthokeratology; however, we do not discourage our patients from seeking this treatment elsewhere. Patients who choose this treatment should be informed that there is a risk of microbial keratitis from sleeping with contact lenses.
4. Multifocal lenses – In randomized controlled trials, multifocal lenses (either bifocal or progressive) have yielded a small effect in slowing myopia progression.
5. Peripheral defocus contact lenses and extended depth of focus contact lenses – Peripheral defocus lenses and extended depth of focus contact lenses have been shown to decrease myopia progression.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.