Myopia (nearsightedness) - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Myopia Treatment

Treatment of myopia includes the following:

• Corrective lenses come in several forms, such as contact lenses and eyeglasses, which help balance out the uneven eye shape.
• Refractive surgery lessens the need for contact lenses or glasses while improving eyesight. The refractive defect is corrected by an eye surgeon reshaping the cornea with a laser beam. Doctors will assess you to see if you are a good candidate for refractive surgery before surgery. Types of refractive surgery for myopia include:
  • Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK): During this process, a corneal flap that is hinged and thin is created by the eye surgeon. The doctor repositions the flap after shaping the cornea's shape with an excimer laser.
  • Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK): The cornea's thin protective layer, known as the epithelium, is loosened by the surgeon using a unique alcohol rather than making a flap in the cornea. After modifying the cornea's curvature with an excimer laser, he or she repositions the loosened epithelium.
  • Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK): Except for epithelium removal, this surgery is comparable to laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK). Naturally, it will regrow and take on the new shape of the cornea. A bandage contact lens may be required for a few days following surgery.
  • Epi-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK): The surgeon separates a very thin strip of epithelium using a specific motorized blunt blade in place of alcohol. The cornea is then reshaped and the epithelium is repositioned using an excimer laser.

Myopia Prevention

While there is no way to prevent myopia, some common ways to slow its progression include the following: 

• Atropine. Atropine drops are frequently used to dilate the pupil of the eye, both before and after eye surgery and as part of eye check-ups. Atropine eye drops in modest dosages may also aid in delaying the advancement of near-sightedness.
• More time spent outside. During infancy, youth, and the early stages of adulthood, spending time outside may reduce the likelihood of near-sightedness developing.
• Dual-focus lenses for contacts. There has been some evidence that a certain kind of dual-focus contact lens can halt the advancement of near-sightedness.
• Orthokeratology. The cornea is momentarily reshaped when a hard contact lens is used at night. Daytime wear of the lens is not seen.

Also, you can benefit from the following: 

• Get eye check-ups regularly.
• Shield your eyes from the sun
• When playing sports or doing jobs that might cause eye injury, use protective goggles.
• When working or reading, make use of excellent lighting.
• As instructed, put on your prescription lenses.
• Take proper care of your contact lenses or prescription glasses.
• Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from computer work and other close-up tasks by focusing on anything 20 feet distant.
• Consume wholesome meals.
• Engage in regular exercise.
• Manage medical problems that can impair your eyesight, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Avoid smoking.

References

Baird, P. N., Saw, S. M., Lanca, C., Guggenheim, J. A., Smith III, E. L., Zhou, X., ... & He, M. (2020). Myopia. Nature reviews Disease primers, 6(1), 99.

Holden, B. A., Fricke, T. R., Wilson, D. A., Jong, M., Naidoo, K. S., Sankaridurg, P., ... & Resnikoff, S. (2016). Global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology, 123(5), 1036-1042.

Morgan, I. G., Ohno-Matsui, K., & Saw, S. M. (2012). Myopia. The Lancet, 379(9827), 1739-1748.

Saw, S. M., Gazzard, G., Shih‐Yen, E. C., & Chua, W. H. (2005). Myopia and associated pathological complications. Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics, 25(5), 381-391.