Myopia Management

Perhaps the most widely researched topic in optometry at present, myopia management simply means finding ways to reduce the rate at which short-sightedness progresses. 

Myopia is the inability to see clearly at distance and can often run the risk of progressing significantly during childhood and adolescence.

Sometimes classed as an epidemic, as it becomes increasingly common and more often now, can be spotted quite young.

One of the reasons for wanting to reduce progression is higher levels of short-sightedness can increase the risk of eye conditions such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.

There are now various corrections through both glasses and contact lenses which can reduce the rate at which it progresses. The list below is not exhaustive, however it’s a summary of the most commonly available treatments. More can be discussed at your appointment!

Before looking at treatment options, what can we do ourselves to help reduce progression?

The evidence suggests spending more time outdoors, taking regular breaks from our near work and increasing the distance at which we hold items up close can help us avoid myopic progression.

Treatments for Myopia

  • At first glance these may look like a normal set of clear lenses, however a closer look shows a honeycomb style circular ring incorporating DIMS technology.

    DIMS provides areas of defocus to the periphery of our vision whilst still providing clear central vision. I

    t’s the peripheral defocus which slows down myopic progression. See the diagram below for an understanding of this.

    A recent 6 year study shows the long term efficacy of this option.

  • MiSight contact lenses are a daily disposable lens with enough oxygen permeability to wear most of the time.

    The lens has been designed to wear 7 days a week, minimum 10 hours a day.

    MiSight lenses use ActivControl technology to again provide clear distance and a peripheral defocus zone across the lens which helps reduce progression.

  • Ortho-K has been around for decades despite possibly not being as well known as other options.

    This is a rigid lens which is worn overnight. It gently reshapes your eye overnight, correcting your vision while you sleep.

    When you wake up in the morning, you remove the lenses and enjoy clear vision throughout the day without the need for any correction!

    The effects of this are temporary, lasting around 24-48 hours, therefore you would need to sleep in the lenses every night.

    This can be a great option in particular for keen swimmers where wearing contact lenses is not recommended.