Myopia control

Myopia

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common condition where objects in the distance appear blurry, while objects up close are clear. Myopia occurs when the eye's shape causes light rays to focus in front of the retina, rather than directly on it.

Myopia control strategies may include Orthokeratology or Atropine eye drops.

Ortho-K

Orthokeratology, also known as ortho-k, is a non-surgical vision correction treatment that involves the use of specialized contact lenses to gently reshape the front surface of the eye (the cornea). The goal of ortho-k is to temporarily correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Ortho-k involves the use of special gas permeable contact lenses that are worn at night while you sleep. The lenses gently reshape the cornea to correct your vision, and the effects of the treatment can be seen when you remove the lenses in the morning. Ortho-k is generally considered a safe and effective treatment option for vision correction, and the effects of the treatment can last for several days or weeks before the lenses need to be worn again.

It may be a good option for individuals who:

• Have mild to moderate vision problems and are not good candidates for laser eye surgery

• Prefer a non-surgical treatment option for vision correction

• Want a temporary or occasional alternative to eyeglasses or traditional contact lenses

• Participate in sports or other activities that may be difficult with eyeglasses or traditional contact lenses

• Have dry eye syndrome and are unable to wear traditional contact lenses

Ortho-k may not be suitable for people with certain eye conditions, such as keratoconus or severe dry eye syndrome, or for people with certain medical conditions that may affect the eyes. It is important to consult with an eye doctor to determine if ortho-k is the right treatment option for you. A thorough eye exam and fitting by an eye doctor is necessary to ensure that the lenses are properly fitted and cared for and to ensure that they are the best option for your specific vision needs.

The process for orthokeratology (ortho-k) involves several steps and may take multiple visits to the eye doctor. Here is an overview of the process:

1. Eye exam: The first step in the process is to have a comprehensive eye exam to determine if you are a good candidate for ortho-k and to assess the health of your eyes. Your eye doctor will measure the size and shape of your eyes and check for any underlying eye conditions or diseases that may affect your ability to wear ortho-k lenses.

2. Lens selection: After the eye exam, your eye doctor will help you select the appropriate ortho-k lens for your needs. Ortho-k lenses are custom-made to fit the unique curvature of each person's eyes, so it is important to choose a lens that is properly sized and shaped for your eyes.

3. Lens fitting: Once the appropriate lens has been selected, your eye doctor will fit the lens to your eye. This may involve adjusting the lens to ensure that it fits properly and is comfortable to wear.

4. Follow-up visits: It is common to need one or more follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit of the ortho-k lenses and ensure that they provide the desired vision correction. Your eye doctor will also provide instructions on how to properly care for and maintain your ortho-k lenses.

Overall, the process of fitting ortho-k lenses can take several visits to the eye doctor. It is important to follow your eye doctor's instructions and to attend all follow-up visits as scheduled to ensure that the lenses are fitting properly and providing the desired vision correction.

Atropine eye drops

Atropine eye drops are a medication that is commonly used to dilate the pupil and reduce the focusing effort of the eyes. Atropine is a type of medication known as an anticholinergic drug, which works by blocking certain nerve impulses in the body.

In the context of myopia control, atropine eye drops are used in low doses to slow down the progression of myopia. Atropine eye drops are typically applied once a day, usually before bedtime, in both eyes. The effects of atropine on myopia control are thought to be related to its ability to relax the focusing mechanism of the eyes, which may help reduce the progression of myopia, often in conjunction with standard eyewear.