CAN YOU SLOW THE EYE’S CONSTANT GROWTH DURING CHILDHOOD AND SUBSEQUENTLY REDUCE THE INCREASE IN MYOPIA (Short sightedness)?
SO WHAT METHODS ARE AVAILABLE AND DO THEY WORK?
BIFOCAL and VARIFOCAL SPECTACLES
It would appear that the use of bifocal and varifocal spectacle lenses may reduce the rate of growth within the eye. The studies we have looked at suggest that the reduction achieved by this method is at best very small.
UNDER CORRECTING THE DISTANCE PRESCRIPTION
In some countries it has been common practice to not use the full myopic (short sighted) prescription when prescribing children with spectacles or contact lenses in the hope that this will encourage a reduction in myopic (short sighted) growth. Studies now show that this method is not only unsuccessful but that there is a possibility of making the myopia (short sightedness) worse.
Specialist Peripheral De-Focus Spectacle Lenses
There are many new innovations with spectacle lenses such as the Hoya Miyosmart.
As well as correcting the short-sighted error in the eye, a two year clinical trial shows that on average Miyosmart lenses will slow down the progression of myopia by 60%.
Accurate measurements and fitting of such spectacle lenses is critical to their effectivity so it is important to find an experienced practitioner to dispense them.
INSTILLING ATROPINE
Several studies have shown that by instilling Atropine eye drops a reduction in myopic (short sighted) growth can be achieved. It achieves this by temporarily paralyzing the near vision focusing muscle within the eye. However there can be some side effects. As well as paralyzing the focusing system Atropine also causes the pupils to be fully dilated this can create some problems with sensitivity to light and can even contribute to social problems at school with children whose eyes may look slightly odd.
DUAL ZONE (MULTI-FOCAL) SOFT CONTACT LENSES
This is by far our most favoured method. It has been shown that the use of this type of contact lenses can reduce the growth in a child’s eye by as much as 50%. This of course means that any increase in myopia (short sight) can be significantly reduced. The other great advantage of this method is that these lenses are available in soft, disposable type formats, which makes them both comfortable and affordable. There are a number of multi focal type lenses on the market and it is essential that the correct power combinations are used in order for the myopia (short sightedness) to be controlled but providing you find an experienced contact lens practitioner the fitting of these lenses is relatively simple.
ORTHO K – CORNEAL RESHAPING RIGID CONTACT LENSES
This is a custom made treatment option that uses overnight reverse-geometry contact lenses (the lenses are worn whilst you sleep) to reshape the cornea and allow for clear unaided vision throughout the next day once the lens has been removed. The altered refractive power of the cornea bends peripheral light rays entering the eye in a way which suppresses the stimulus which causes the eye’s continuous growth. Multiple studies have shown that orthokeratology may be successful in reducing the axial elongation of the eyeball subsequently preventing myopia (short sightedness) progression. It’s an optimal option for patients involved in sport and other recreational activities. Unlike laser eye surgery, orthokeratology is reversible, making it the best choice for anyone who has considered refractive surgery, but are concerned with the risks. The effect of orthokeratology lasts as long as the lenses are being used therefore they should be worn on regular basis.