Shortsightedness, also known as myopia, is a condition that is rapidly increasing worldwide. Different treatment options are available to manage and control the progression of myopia. John O’Connor Optometrists, in Auckland, provides various innovative treatments to combat myopia progression. This blog looks into five treatment options, briefly evaluating their advantages and disadvantages.

Hoya Miyosmart Glasses

Hoya Miyosmart glasses incorporate innovative lens technology to slow down the progression of myopia.

Pros:

• Designed for children and teenagers, providing clear vision and myopia control in a single solution
• Uses innovative Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) technology to reduce eye elongation
• Lightweight, comfortable, and suitable for everyday use
• Stylish and convenient, just like regular glasses
• Helps reduce the reliance on traditional corrective eyewear.

Cons:

• Requires consistent wear to be truly effective
• May not be as effective for all prescriptions or eye conditions, such as high myopia cases or for individuals with rapidly progressing myopia
• Regular adjustments and follow-up appointments may be necessary.

Orthokeratology Lenses

Orthokeratology lenses, also known as Ortho-K lenses, are rigid gas-permeable lenses worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea to temporarily correct myopia during the day.

Pros:

• Provide clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day
• Non-surgical and reversible
• Suitable for active individuals, especially athletes
• They are a reversible treatment option, and the effects wear off if the lens use is discontinued
• Ortho-K lenses can be a viable alternative for those who are not suitable candidates for refractive surgery.

Cons:

• Requires meticulous lens care and hygiene
• Potential discomfort during the initial adaptation period
• The corneal reshaping effect may take several weeks to stabilise, and vision improvements may vary from person to person
• Not suitable for everyone, including individuals with certain corneal conditions.

Atropine Eyedrops

Atropine eyedrops are available in different concentrations: 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.05%. Recent research suggests 0.05% may be more effective. The drops dilate the pupil and relax the eye’s focusing mechanism. Typically you apply these drops once daily.

Pros:

• Widely studied and recognised for their efficacy
• Easy to administer and non-invasive
• Suitable for individuals with rapid myopia progression.

Cons:

• Pupil dilation and near-vision blurring may be temporary side effects
• Long-term effects and safety of higher concentrations require further research
• Require regular monitoring of eye health.

Misight Soft Disposable Contact Lenses

These employ a dual-focus design to help slow down the progression of myopia.

Pros:

• Offer the convenience of daily disposable lenses
• Correct vision while simultaneously reducing myopia progression
• Easy to use and suitable for children with active lifestyles
• Non-surgical and reversible

Cons:

• Require regular lens replacement and compliance
• Daily disposable lenses can be costly when compared to other options
• Potential discomfort or dryness associated with contact lens wear
• May not be suitable for individuals with certain eye conditions.

Red Light Therapy

Low-level red-light therapy is an emerging treatment option for myopia control in children. This therapy involves exposure to specific wavelengths of red light to potentially slow down the progression.

Pros:

• Non-invasive and painless
• Promising results shown in some research studies
• Can be combined with other myopia control methods for enhanced results
• Minimal side effects reported.

Cons:

• Limited long-term data and research available
• Optimal treatment protocols and duration are still being investigated
• Not widely available at present.

Tackling myopia and taking care of their vision

When it comes to myopia control, multiple treatment options are available, each with its own set of advantages and limitations. Hoya Miyosmart glasses, Ortho-K lenses, atropine eyedrops, MiSight soft disposable contact lenses, and red-light therapy offer promising approaches for slowing down myopia progression. However, consulting with an optometrist to determine the most suitable treatment option for you or a child in your care is crucial.

If you have questions about treatment options for myopia, John O’Connor Optometrists is here to help. You can reach our Newmarket Optometrists at 09 522 1283 or our Henderson Optometrists at 09 836 1731. Alternatively, you can send us an email via our contact page. Our experienced optometrists will be delighted to schedule an appointment to discuss the best options for myopia management.

Remember, taking proactive steps to control myopia progression can lead to improved vision and overall eye health. You can make big changes by simply being outdoors 2-3 hours per day and taking frequent breaks from close-up work. Talk to us about what else you can do!