You might be wondering if myopia can be reversed.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a quick fix to completely eliminate myopia. However, there’s positive news: we can manage it effectively, especially in children, and significantly slow its progression. As optometrists, we understand the concerns parents face when their child is diagnosed with nearsightedness, also known as myopia.

Understanding Myopia: Why Is Reversal Not Possible?

Myopia develops when the eyeball is slightly elongated, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurred vision at a distance. Both genetics and environmental factors play a role in this condition. While we can’t permanently alter the shape of the eyeball, we can take measures to prevent further elongation and address current vision issues.

Myopia Control for Children: Slowing Progression

While complete reversal isn’t possible, there are effective strategies for controlling myopia in children. By implementing these methods early, we can significantly slow the progression of myopia, improve your child’s vision, and potentially reduce their future risk of certain eye diseases. Here are some effective myopia control options available at our clinics:

• Specially Designed Eyeglasses:
  Lenses with peripheral defocus technology can help manage myopia progression by providing a wider zone of clear vision, potentially slowing the elongation of the eyeball.

• Soft Contact Lenses:
  Certain soft contact lenses, such as multifocal or orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses, can also assist in controlling myopia. Ortho-k lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without needing daytime lenses.

• Atropine Eye Drops:
  Low-dose atropine eye drops are a medication option for myopia control. These drops relax the focusing muscles in the eye, helping to slow down eyeball growth. It’s important to discuss any potential side effects, like light sensitivity, with your eye doctor.

• Lifestyle Changes:
  Studies suggest that spending around two hours outdoors daily may help reduce the risk of myopia progression in children. Additionally, encouraging healthy screen habits—like taking regular breaks and maintaining proper distance from screens—can also be beneficial.