Myopia (short-sightedness) is a condition that makes objects in the distance difficult to see clearly. The increasing prevalence of high myopia over the past few decades has become of significant concern, largely due to the numerous comorbidities associated with it. These include glaucoma, macula degeneration and retinal detachment. There are currently several evidence-supported treatments available that aim to slow myopia progression. These are outlined below.
Orthokeratology
(OK/Ortho K lenses):
Simultaneously corrects short sightedness while slowing its progression. This is achieved by wearing rigid contact lenses while asleep that temporarily reshape the cornea (clear tissue at the front of the eye). Wearers wake up with clear vision and therefore do not require glasses or contact lenses during the day. Ortho K is a non-surgical, completely reversible therapy and its effects will last as long as the lenses are worn regularly.
Atropine eye drops:
A low concentration of prescription-only medication that is instilled nightly and can be obtained from a compounding pharmacy. It does not provide any form of vision correction and hence additional spectacle and/or contact lens wear is still required. It can be prescribed in combination with the other therapies mentioned here.
Soft contact lenses that are worn during the day and have multiple focal points to provide clear central vision while blurring the image that falls on the peripheral retina, discouraging eye elongation and hence myopia progression.
Multifocal contact lenses:
Hoya MiyoSmart spectacle lenses:
Released in 2020, these lenses work similarly to the contact lens options by providing clear central vision while blurring the image that falls on the peripheral retina in an effort to discourage myopia progression.
