If you or a loved one has myopia (nearsightedness), you may wonder if there is a cure. The simple answer is that while myopia cannot currently be cured, it can be effectively managed and controlled. You can maintain clear vision and manage the condition throughout the day with solutions such as corrective lenses and eye drops.

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error that causes objects at a distance to appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. It occurs when the eye’s shape elongates, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina.

This condition is prevalent, with more than 30% of the global population being nearsighted, and the number is on the rise, especially among children and young adults. Increased screen time, reduced time spent outdoors, and genetic predisposition are believed to contribute to this growing statistic.

Symptoms of Myopia

Here are some of the common symptoms that might indicate that you or your loved one have myopia:

• Blurred vision
• Excessive squinting to see
• Eye strain 
• Headaches
• Frequent blinking or rubbing of eyes 
• Difficulty seeing faraway objects

Why Can’t Myopia Be Cured? 

While medical science continues to advance and has developed treatments for managing myopia, it still hasn’t found a way to fully cure it. As myopia involves a structural change in the eye, it is irreversible. However, treatments are offered that aim to slow progression, correct vision, and protect long-term eye health. 

Options to Help Manage & Control Myopia 

Although myopia is yet to be fully curable, several treatment options can be used to help manage its symptoms and progression.

Prescription Contact Lenses & Glasses

Prescription glasses and contact lenses are the most common methods for helping to correct myopia. They work to restore clear vision by altering how light enters the eyes and focuses on the retina. 

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K is a treatment method that involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight. The lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, and in the morning, the wearer may experience clearer vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. 

Orthokeratology is particularly popular for children as it can slow myopia progression through a non-surgical alternative for vision correction.

Myopia-Control Lenses

Myopia-control lenses are another advanced eyewear technology that has been shown to help reduce the progression of myopia in children. These lenses are designed to minimize eye strain and manage how light focuses on the retina, therefore slowing elongation of the eye. Myopia-control contact lenses and eyeglass lenses are available options.

Atropine Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are another treatment commonly used to help children with nearsightedness. Some studies have shown that atropine drops can reduce myopia progression, however, the exact mechanism is not well understood.

Depending on the individual case, an eye care specialist can recommend whether this is a suitable option.

Time Outdoors & Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle adjustments can play an important role in managing myopia in children and adults. Spending more time outdoors and limiting prolonged screen use can reduce eye strain and slow myopia progression.

Some recommended guidelines include:

• Following the 20-20-20 rule (take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to focus on something at least 20 feet away).
• Increasing exposure to natural sunlight to promote healthier eye development in children.
• Reading, studying, or working on devices under good lighting 
• Limiting screen time use:
  • For children under 2: zero hours of screen time except for video calls
  • For children ages 2-5: 1 hour per day
  • For children ages 6-17: generally 2 hours per day, except for homework

Laser Eye Surgery for Myopia 

Laser eye surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, may be an option for adults who wish to achieve a more permanent vision correction.

LASIK

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a surgical treatment that creates a thin flap in the cornea. The flap is lifted to allow the laser to reshape the corneal tissue. Once the cornea is repaired, the flap is repositioned to promote healing with minimal discomfort. As a result, many can experience improved vision just days after the procedure. 

PRK 

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), on the other hand, involves removing the cornea’s thin outer layer before reshaping the corneal tissue with a laser. As the epithelium regenerates, the cornea gradually heals and adjusts to its new shape. PRK typically has a longer recovery time but can be a good alternative for individuals with thin corneas or other corneal concerns. 

LASIK and PRK can be effective treatments for myopia, allowing individuals to reduce or eliminate their reliance on corrective eyewear. However, it’s important to consult an eye care professional to determine eligibility and which procedure suits your needs and expectations.

The Importance of Early Myopia Management

If left untreated, myopia can progress as the eye grows during childhood and adolescence. Besides requiring stronger prescriptions over time, severe myopia increases the risk of conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, maculopathy, and cataracts later in life.

Early intervention and regular eye exams are important for managing myopia and maintaining good eye health. If you or your child are showing signs of nearsightedness, book a comprehensive eye exam with a trusted optometrist to explore your options.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’re ready to discuss your myopia management options or need a trusted partner for ongoing eye care, consider reaching out to Calgary Family Eye Doctors.

Our friendly team would be happy to conduct a comprehensive eye exam and help you determine a treatment plan that works for you.