Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that affects millions of people worldwide. In recent years, the rising prevalence of progressive myopia, particularly in children, has become a significant public health concern. While traditional treatments, such as eyeglasses and contact lenses, can correct myopia by improving visual clarity, they do little to slow or control the progression of the condition. Fortunately, modern research has led to several innovative approaches aimed at managing myopia progression and reducing the risks of associated complications.
Understanding Myopia Progression
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry vision when viewing distant objects. Progressive myopia is a condition where myopia worsens over time, increasing the risk of severe eye conditions such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
While lifestyle factors like reducing near work (e.g., screen time) and increasing outdoor activity can help slow the onset of myopia, they are often insufficient to prevent its progression. Specialized treatments are required to actively manage and slow the elongation of the eye, particularly in children and adolescents.
Treatment Options for Myopia and Progressive Myopia
Several interventions have been developed to slow myopia progression. These treatments focus on both correcting vision and addressing the underlying factors contributing to myopia progression. Here are some of the most common and effective options:
1. Special Eyeglass Lenses
Specially designed eyeglass lenses are one of the most popular methods for managing myopia. These lenses combine vision correction with the ability to slow the progression of myopia by influencing the way light focuses on the retina. The most notable advancements include the use of peripheral defocus lenses, which create a focus zone that helps reduce the elongation of the eye.
The ZEISS MyoCare lenses, launched in April 2023 in Europe, have been a breakthrough in managing progressive myopia. Clinical trials have shown that these lenses significantly slow the progression of myopia compared to traditional single-vision lenses.
2. Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses
Soft, multifocal contact lenses are another effective option for managing myopia. These lenses are designed with multiple zones of focus, allowing the eye to experience a clear image at the center while creating peripheral defocus in the retina. This peripheral defocus is thought to slow the eye’s elongation, thereby controlling myopia progression.
Multifocal contact lenses, often referred to as “center-distance” lenses, have been well-received by children and teenagers due to their comfort and effectiveness in both correcting vision and slowing myopia progression.
3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, involves wearing rigid contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. This reshaping allows for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. In addition to correcting vision, Ortho-K lenses have been shown to slow the progression of myopia by creating a similar peripheral defocus effect.
This non-surgical, reversible method has been proven to reduce the rate of eye growth, making it a popular choice for children and adolescents experiencing rapid myopia progression.
4. Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Pharmaceutical interventions, such as low-dose atropine eye drops, have gained popularity as an effective method for slowing myopia progression. Atropine, when administered in low concentrations (typically 0.01% to 0.05%), has been shown to slow the elongation of the eye without significantly affecting pupil size or causing other side effects commonly associated with higher doses.
Though the exact mechanism by which atropine slows myopia is not fully understood, it is thought to influence the growth of the sclera and reduce eye elongation. In many cases, atropine eye drops are used in combination with other treatments, such as special eyeglass lenses or contact lenses, for optimal myopia control.
FDA-Approved Treatments vs. Experimental Approaches
In the United States, the FDA has approved several treatments for myopia management. These include:
– Multifocal soft contact lenses designed for myopia control.
– Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses for overnight wear.
– Low-dose atropine eye drops, though currently used off-label, are commonly prescribed by eye care professionals for myopia control based on extensive research.
However, certain newer treatments, such as the latest defocus corrective spectacle lenses (e.g., ZEISS MyoCare) that have shown promise in Europe and Asia, are still undergoing further research and trials in the U.S. before gaining FDA approval. These lenses represent a cutting-edge approach, combining vision correction and myopia control, but are not yet widely available in all markets.
Conclusion
Managing myopia and progressive myopia is a multifaceted process that requires a combination of lifestyle adjustments and specialized treatments. From innovative eyeglass lenses to pharmaceutical solutions like atropine drops, there are now multiple effective ways to slow myopia progression and reduce the risk of future complications. For parents of children with myopia, early intervention is key. Regular eye check-ups, combined with appropriate myopia control measures, can help safeguard long-term vision health.
