What is Myopia?
Myopia, often called short-sightedness, is a condition in which near objects appear clear but distant objects look blurred. It develops when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
The condition usually begins in childhood and can worsen as the eyes continue to grow. Signs include blurred vision when looking far away, squinting, headaches, and eye strain.
The Effective Myopia Treatments
Providing spectacles is only part of the solution. The main concern is that myopia often progresses year by year. High levels of short-sightedness can raise the likelihood of future eye conditions such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration.
Modern treatments, therefore, focus on two primary goals: correcting vision in the present and slowing the rate of progression for the future.
Comprehensive Approaches to Managing Myopia
1. Special Spectacle Lenses
Traditional lenses correct blurred vision but do not slow progression. New lens designs, however, are engineered to control how light focuses on the retina. By shifting the focus to the peripheral retina, they help signal the eye to slow its growth.
Examples include:
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DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments). Hundreds of tiny treatment segments surround a clear central zone. The segments create controlled myopic defocus while central distance vision stays clear.
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HALT (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target). Rings of aspherical lenslets form a treatment volume around a clear optical centre. The pattern maintains central clarity and delivers consistent therapeutic defocus in the periphery.
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Cylindrical annular zone designs. A concentric treatment ring encircles a clear centre. This annulus provides a uniform peripheral signal with stable distance focus through the middle of the lens.
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Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT). Transparent micro-dots gently diffuse light to reduce retinal image contrast. This contrast management serves as a cue that may slow eye growth while preserving functional clarity.
2. Contact Lens Options
Types of contact lenses used for myopia control:
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Soft multifocal contact lenses. Daily-wear lenses that correct blur and provide a peripheral treatment signal. Fitted by an eye-care professional.
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EDOF soft contact lenses. Extended Depth of Focus designs adjust image quality across the retina to provide a therapeutic cue while maintaining day-to-day clarity. Worn during the day and fitted like other soft lenses.
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Atropine eye drops (low dose). Prescription drops are used once a day to help slow progression. Common concentrations range from 0.01% to 0.05%. The clinician selects the dose and monitors comfort, light sensitivity, and near vision. Drops may be used alone or with spectacle or contact-lens treatments.
3. Lifestyle Measures
Research shows that lifestyle influences eye health as strongly as optical correction. Key habits include:
Time outdoors: At least two hours a day is associated with slower axial length elongation. Natural light and distance viewing provide protective benefits.
Reducing near work strain: Limiting extended screen use and encouraging breaks during study can ease pressure on the eyes.
Healthy diet: Foods rich in vitamins A and C, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids support overall ocular health.
Replacement and Monitoring
Children’s prescriptions can change quickly. Regular eye examinations are essential, and treatment plans are often reviewed every six to twelve months. If power changes significantly, lenses may need to be replaced sooner to ensure effectiveness.
Who Benefits Most
Myopia control treatments are particularly valuable for:
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Children aged 6 to 16 with progressive myopia
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Those with a family history of short-sightedness
Limitations to Consider
No single treatment can halt myopia entirely. Instead, the aim is to slow its course. Effectiveness varies between individuals, and combining optical correction with lifestyle adjustments generally yields the best results.
Looking Ahead
Advances in lens design and contact lens technology continue to improve the options available for children. Early detection, regular monitoring, and timely treatment give the best chance of protecting vision and reducing long-term risks.
Modern Solutions for Nearsightedness
AirMyo by Specsmakers is our dedicated approach to caring for children’s eyesight. These lenses feature a honeycomb treatment area surrounding a clear central zone for stable distance vision, helping to manage the progression of short-sightedness while keeping sight sharp and comfortable.
Made from lightweight polycarbonate with blue-light protection, they are durable for everyday use and available in prescriptions up to −10.00 D. Designed for comfort and practicality, AirMyo combines thoughtful technology with Specsmakers’ commitment to accessible eye care, giving families a reliable choice for supporting healthy vision today and in the future.
Conclusion
Myopia should not be seen as a simple need for spectacles. It is a progressive condition that demands modern management. With innovative lenses, specialist contact lenses, and supportive lifestyle habits, it is possible to safeguard vision and give children a healthier outlook for the future.
FAQs
1. What is myopia, and why does it matter?
Myopia, or short-sightedness, makes distant objects look blurred while close-up vision remains clear. It usually begins in childhood and can worsen as the eyes grow. High levels of myopia increase the risk of serious eye problems later in life, which is why slowing its progression is important.
2. Can ordinary glasses slow down myopia?
No. Regular single-vision glasses correct blurred vision but do not influence how the eye grows. Specially designed myopia control lenses are needed to help slow progression.
3. Do lifestyle habits make a difference?
Absolutely. Spending at least two hours outdoors each day, limiting screen use, and taking regular breaks from close work can all help reduce the risk of myopia worsening.
4. At what age should myopia control treatment begin?
Treatment is most effective when started early, usually between the ages of 6 to 16, as this is when myopia tends to progress most rapidly.
5. Can myopia be cured completely?
No. Current treatments cannot cure myopia or prevent it entirely, but they can significantly slow its progression and lower the risk of future eye complications.
