What Causes Myopia?

In myopia, the point of focus is in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry. Myopia is caused by the elongation of the eyeball or the excessive curvature of the cornea. In a non-myopic eye, the light hits the eye and bends as it travels through the cornea, and focuses directly on the retina. A myopic eye is too long in comparison to the curve of the cornea, causing light to focus in front of the retina. If the eyeball continues to grow, myopia will continue to worsen.

While myopia cannot be cured, it can be treated to slow the progression of it. Regular eye exams are important, as myopia often develops in childhood. Without treatment, myopia can worsen quickly and lead to other eye conditions like retinal detachment, cataracts, and open-angle glaucoma.

Four Types of Myopia Control

There are four common types of myopia control: Orthokeratology (OrthoK aka CRT), Atropine eye drops, Distance-Center Multifocal Contact Lenses and in some cases Bifocal or Multifocal Eyeglasses. Treatment is determined based on patient age, prescription and need.

You’ll be given a pair of contacts to try out to see if they work with your lifestyle. If they don’t suit your needs, we’ll work with you to find a different pair of contact lenses that work better for you.

1. Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology is a method where medical devices similar to contact lenses are applied to the eye while asleep. The device applies gentle pressure on the cornea or surface of the eye which results in the temporary “molding” of the outer layers. This provides a “lens like” effect that lasts all day, allowing for users to go without glasses or contact lenses during the day. This treatment is especially effective for people who partake in physical activities like sports and swimming where wearing glasses or contact lenses may be impractical.

2. Atropine Eye Drops

Eye drops, such as Atropine, have been found to reduce the progression of myopia when applied once a day. In some cases, Atropine may be used in conjunction with bifocal eyeglasses to enhance the myopia control effect.

3. Distance-Center Multifocal Contact Lenses

Distance Center Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses are similar to regular soft contact lenses, however, they feature an optical “trick” in the centre of the lens which compensates for difficulties seeing from afar. The outer area has a relatively positive power to reduce hyperopia defocusing, giving you improved far-range visual acuity and protecting you from your myopia worsening. Like regular contact lenses, Distance Center Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses come in varying designs based on your need.

4. Bifocal or Multifocal Eyeglasses

Bifocals or Multifocals are lenses that are designed for those having trouble seeing targets in the distance. In bifocal eyeglasses, the line is placed at the lower margin of the pupil of the eye, making it easier when looking lower to read or use a computer. It has been suggested that the accommodative response described previously may play a role in progressive myopia, especially in children.