Many concerned patients ask eye doctors questions about the progression of myopia. They wonder whether there is anything they can do to stop the condition from worsening. Also known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, myopia is a growing epidemic throughout the world.

It usually begins in childhood. Some of the factors that cause this condition are lifestyle choices, family history, or both. Unfortunately, it tends to worsen as children get older. Myopia can have a huge impact on your life. It can even lead to future eye health problems.

What Is Myopia?

Do you find it difficult to see distant objects? Do you need to hold a book up close while reading? If the situations describe you, chances are you are myopic. Shortsightedness or nearsightedness is the inability to see objects or words clearly unless they are close to your eyes.

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia usually occurs when a person’s eye grows too long from back to front. Instead of light focusing directly on the retina, it focuses in front of it. Other factors that can contribute to myopia include an abnormally curved cornea or an excessively thick lens.

Myopia Control

Scientists do not fully understand the factors that influence the progression of myopia. Most of them, however, believe that the condition stems from two main factors. These are near-work activities and genetics.

Currently, there is no absolute cure for myopia. However, several treatments can slow down its progression. They aim to change the focus and structure of the eye, reducing fatigue and stress associated with the progression and development of myopia.

Treatments Showing Promise for Controlling Nearsightedness

Slowing the progression of nearsightedness, especially in childhood, is extremely important. It can prevent the condition from developing into a more serious vision or eye problem later in life. Some of the treatments showing some promise for controlling this condition include:

• Myopia control glasses.
• Atropine eye drops.
• Orthokeratology.
• Multifocal contact lenses.

Does Myopia Stop Progress?

Eye and vision specialists do not have a firm consensus on when nearsightedness stops progressing. According to one study, the peak deceleration period for myopia occurs around the age of 12. The mean stabilization age is around 15.5 years.

How to Stop the Progression of Myopia

One of the main factors driving the increase of myopia is your lifestyle. This is according to 140 studies covering more than two million participants. The consensus is if you want the eye condition from progressing, put your digital devices away.

Of course, it is unrealistic to ask people to stop using modern digital devices. Thus, you need to limit your use of them or invest in protective eyewear. You can also ask your eye doctor about ways to manage or stop the progression of myopia.

Contact lenses and eyeglasses can help you or your child see more clearly. However, they will not slow down or stop the progression of nearsightedness. The earlier myopia begins to develop and the more myopic you are, the more rapid and longer the condition will progress. Hence, you may require certain lenses, such as soft lenses, to slow down the condition’s progression.

To learn more about how to stop myopia from reaching you, visit Vision One Eyecare Center at our offices in Fort Mitchell or Dry Ridge, Kentucky. You can call (859) 267-1700 or (859) 407-7400 today to schedule an appointment.