Myopia Control in Scottsdale

Myopia, better known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition that effects eyesight. This occurs when the eye is improperly shaped, causing far away objects to look blurry. Myopia control is a term used to describe particular treatments used to slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children. Untreated myopia can lead to eye problems later in life like cataracts, retinal detachment, and glaucoma. Dr. Beth Frankel and her eyecare team can assist you in treating your condition.

What to Know About Myopia

Myopia often runs in families. If one of your parents is nearsighted, you have a 50 percent chance of having it as well. Recent studies have shown that people who do not spend enough time outdoors have a higher chance of developing myopia. The most common symptom of myopia is blurry vision when looking at objects in the distance. Other symptoms are frequent headaches caused by eyestrain, difficulty seeing when driving, or excessive blinking. If you are diagnosed with myopia, there are several ways we can help at our clinic.

Eye Drops

Atropine is an eye drop that dilates the pupil to enable relaxation of the focusing mechanism of the eyes. You can expect to gain short-term results but with some drawbacks. Effects can take at least a week to wear off. Some issues that can come with atropine are blurred near vision and light sensitivity.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology is the use of gas permeable contact lenses that are worn while sleeping to correct nearsightedness temporarily. They also correct other vision issues, so there is less of a need for glasses and contact lenses when awake. Children who use orthokeratology for at least a few years will more than likely end up with less myopia as they transition into adulthood.

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are prescribed to correct nearsightedness and are an effective tool for myopia control. These lenses are created to enable clear vision, no matter what the distance. This is beneficial for people who suffer from refractive errors. They are known to slow down the progression of myopia in kids if worn on a daily basis. They can count on a 50 percent reduction in myopia control progression.

Multifocal Eyeglasses

Multifocal eyeglasses are similar to multifocal contact lenses. They enable people to have a clearer vision at all distances. These eyeglasses are also effective in slowing down the progression of nearsightedness in kids. They do have a milder slowing effect in children but wearing them can slow down the progression by at least 51 percent.

Appointments

If you are having trouble seeing objects in the distance, schedule an appointment with Dr. Beth Frankel in Scottsdale. We will test your vision and prescribe the best treatment option for you. Contact us today to see how we can help you and your family with myopia control.