Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that affects children and adults. The International Myopia Institute estimates that 30% of the world's population has myopia. This number is estimated to rise to 50% by 2050. Fortunately, there are ways to treat myopia. Optics Soho of Tampa and Riverview offers a wide variety of eye care options for myopia control.
What Is Myopia Control?
While there is not a cure for myopia, there are several treatments that could slow the progression. Myopia control involves changing the structure and focus of the eye to reduce stress and fatigue. Different treatments include eye drops and other non-invasive methods. In addition, slowing the progression of myopia can help limit the possibility of eye problems later in life, such as cataracts or detached retinas.
Atropine Eye Drops
There are eye drops and ointments shown to slow down the progression of myopia. However, the most widely used medication for myopia is atropine eye drops. These types of eye drops have been used for many years with effective short-term results. They dilate the pupils and relax the eye's focusing mechanism. Myopia is linked to eye fatigue, and the drops can help reduce the effects of strain.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal contact lenses have different strengths in separate zones of the lens to correct myopia. In addition, multifocal lenses come in soft lens and gas permeable options. Our eye doctors will help you choose the right lens for your specific condition. These lenses provide the convenience of being able to see in different situations without needing additional eyewear.
Eye Exercises
In some cases, eye exercises given by our optometrists can help, especially with eye strain and reducing headaches caused by eye strain. However, eye exercises do not cure myopia. Exercises improve muscle tone and blood circulation to the eyes. We also recommend taking breaks while working on a computer about every 20 minutes to prevent eye strain and your myopia from worsening.
Visit Us for Quality Eye Care in Riverview or Tampa
If you have further questions about how to control the progression of your myopia or your child's myopia and live in or around the Tampa, Riverview, or Riverview area, contact Optics Soho at (813) 643-7300 for our Riverview location or (813) 254-2020 for our Tampa location. We are dedicated to providing our patients the testing and treatment they need to maintain their vision and eye health for years to come.