Treatment of Myopia

The treatment of myopia aims to correct visual problems that arise as a result of the increased distance between the cornea and retina, or an excessively curved cornea.

 Both of these cause differences in how light is refracted as it enters the eye, which leads to focus-related issues. One such issue is not being able to see objects that are further away. 

Myopia is also called nearsightedness and managing it is not a one-time fix. In fact, managing myopia requires constant care and regular monitoring to ensure that secondary complications do not arise.

The following summarises various treatment options that are available for patients with myopia. However, seek the advice of an ophthalmologist before deciding on a treatment plan. 

1. Prescription lenses 

These can be categorised into two components, eyeglasses or contact lenses. Visual focus issues can be corrected by the use of eyeglasses which come in a wide variety, including: single vision, bifocals and trifocals, to name a few. 

An alternative choice is also the use of contact lenses. They are placed directly on the eyes and come in various designs and colors! 

2. Low-dose atropine 

This is a topical ocular drop which assists in dilating the pupils of the eyes. Using low-dose atropine or 0.01% atropine is for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years. A single drop of low-dose atropine is administered daily directly onto each eye. It is recommended that treatment should be continued for at least 6 months to ensure adequate results. If positive results are seen, treatment is typically continued for another 6 months, totaling to 1 year.

In instances where myopia progresses when treatment is stopped, it is once again restarted until the growth of the eyes ceases. Upon completion of the treatment, patients are reviewed every 6 months to ensure that myopia has not progressed. 

3. Orthokeratology 

This treatment method is encouraged to correct the curvature present in the eye. Rigid and gas permeable contact lenses are placed directly on the eyes and are to be worn for several hours a day. The use of these contact lenses is continued until the curvature of the eyes has been corrected, and to further maintain the newly acquired shape of the eyes. 

4. Refractive eye surgery

There are different methods of refractive eye surgery that aim to correct the curvature of the cornea. These different methods are:

• Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK): A thin flap is made on the cornea, following which thin layers are removed to flatten the cornea. 

• Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy (LASEK): An ultra-thin flap is made in the epithelium of the cornea and a laser is then used to flatten the cornea.

• Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): The epithelium of the cornea is removed completely and it is not replaced as the epithelium eventually grows back.

5. Increased time outside

It is encouraged that children spend more time outdoors to prevent the occurrence or later progression of myopia. 

In instances where active outdoor activities cannot be done, it is encouraged to follow the 20-20-20 rule where after 20 minutes of near work, 20 seconds are spent looking at an object that is 20 feet away.