Myopia Progression: Effective Treatments For Myopic Children

Myopia management refers to a variety of strategies and treatments intended to prevent a child's myopia from progressing. The objective is to lessen short-sightedness and, perhaps, the risk of related eye problems in later life. Here are a few common approaches for reducing myopia in kids:

Atropine Eye Drops

A topical daily treatment of low-dose atropine eye drops is typically advised by ophthalmologists to slow down axial length elongation; the primary cause of myopia. Atropine has been demonstrated to successfully hinder the advancement of myopia and assist in relaxing the eye's focusing process. 

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Specific soft lenses, also known as multifocal contact lenses have been developed to enable sharp vision at a variety of distances. Through research, it has been shown that the multifocal technology used can slow down the progression of myopia.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-k)

An emerging trendy treatment which involves the use of specialised gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. The lenses are designed to temporarily reshape the cornea, thus helping children see in the daytime without the use of glasses and contact lenses. This has been shown as an effective treatment, especially when used alongside atropine eye drops. Its appealing cosmetic effect and practical advantage in sports and swimming activities have heightened its popularity.

Modifying Your Child's Environment

A quite simple but effective 'treatment' of spending more time outdoors and limiting screen time may help slow down the progression of myopia. There is a strong link between time spent outdoors in natural lighting and it delaying the progression of myopia.

Glasses With Specific Lens Designs

Myo-smart lenses are a special type of spectacle which incorporates innovative optical technology to simultaneously improve vision and slow the progression of myopia. A specialised lens called a DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) produces myopic defocus in the peripheral vision while restoring clarity to the central field of vision. They target myopia by slowing down the elongation of the eye-axial length, which is connected to the evolution of myopia, by introducing myopic defocus.

It's crucial to bear in mind that each person will react to these methods differently, therefore the optimal strategy for controlling myopia should be chosen in cooperation with an eye care specialist who can assess the child's unique needs and recommend the most effective course of action.

What Is Atropine And What Is It Used For?

The drug atropine is frequently used for eye care. Your doctor can at times prescribe the medication in the form of drops for the eyes for various causes.

Your pupil, the black area in the middle of your eye, widens as one of atropine's side effects. This is carried out to make it simpler for your eye doctor to examine the back of your eye during specific eye exams.

Cycloplegia is an additional side effect of atropine. It momentarily relaxes the ocular muscles that aid in focussing. This is applied when an eye doctor needs to establish a child's prescription for glasses.

Additionally, it has been discovered that atropine eye drops can benefit children who are developing myopia (near-sightedness) by halting its advancement. It is thought to function by influencing specific ocular receptors involved in the enlargement and lengthening of the eyeball.

Atropine is a potent drug, so it should only ever be used under the supervision of a trained healthcare provider. For your individual condition, your doctor will choose the quantity and concentration of atropine that is best, and they will also provide you with instructions on how to use it.

Is It Safe For My Child?

Atropine eye drops for myopia correction have typically been regarded as safe when used at low dosages. The most often reported adverse effects include short-term light sensitivity and blurry near vision. Most patients gradually become used to the medicine and these side effects are typically moderate and temporary. When taken as directed and under the guidance of an eye care specialist, serious side effects are uncommon.

Can I use It With Other Treatments?

To achieve the best outcomes, atropine medication can be used in conjunction with other myopia management methods. Myopia management strategies might include changing one's lifestyle to include a greater amount of outdoor time and less close work, as well as using specialised contact lenses- Ortho K lenses or particular spectacle lens designs- myosight.

Which Dose Is Better?

The best amount of atropine to use to manage your child's myopia will depend on the results of a thorough evaluation by an eye care specialist. The right dosage will vary depending on your child's age, the rate at which their myopia is progressing, and their particular eye condition.

Atropine eye drops with low concentrations, like those with 0.01% or 0.05%, are frequently recommended to treat myopia. It has been discovered that these lower dosages efficiently inhibit the progression of myopia while minimising any negative consequences.

Nurturing Clear Vision For Young Minds

Your child's vision is a precious gift, and at My-iClinic, we understand the importance of providing the best care for their growing eyes. We take pride in offering state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to managing myopia in children, ensuring their vision remains crystal clear as they navigate the world.

Why Trust My-iClinic for Myopia Care?

Our commitment to your child's vision is unwavering. My-iClinic boasts the latest advancements in myopia management, blending expertise with cutting-edge technology to provide personalised solutions. Our team of pediatric eye specialists is dedicated to understanding the unique needs of young eyes and tailoring treatments for optimal results.

Comprehensive Myopia Management

From innovative corrective lenses to advanced therapeutic interventions, My-iClinic offers a holistic approach to myopia care. We employ evidence-based strategies that not only address current myopia but also aim to slow its progression, safeguarding your child's vision for the long term.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Invest in your child's vision and future success. Schedule a consultation with My-iClinic's expert pediatric eye care team. Call or book an appointment today!