How Can Adults Control Myopia?

Did you know that recent research suggests that about 20 percent of adults have progressive myopia?

Most adults, at least three-quarters, who suffer from myopia experience fixed vision by the time they are 18. Therefore, at least a quarter of the adults with myopia experience progression of the condition, which is quite concerning.

Some of the eye conditions linked with progressing myopia are myopic macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. If you have myopia, go for regular visits to the eye doctor. The optometrist will track whether your myopia is progressive or stable.

Myopia Progression in Adults

In the past, people thought that myopia stabilized when the eye was at its full size. This is around 18 to 20 years old. According to research, it progresses well into adulthood for some people.

A study on myopia progression among adults between 20 and 40 years revealed alarming results. According to the survey, 21 percent of the study volunteers had 1.00 progressive myopia. In other cases, adults experienced the adult-onset of myopia progression. The initially stabilized vision began to worsen as they continued to grow older.

It is unclear what causes the progression of myopia in adults. However, many optometrists suspect that the increased use of digital devices might be a primary contributing factor. Besides, most adults spend over eight hours daily on digital devices. It can put considerably high stress on the focusing muscles of the eyes.

What Is Myopia Control?

Myopia control is a program customized to minimize the rate at which myopia progresses. Research suggests that myopia control can minimize the rate of progression by almost 78 percent. The program sometimes can stop the progression altogether. It uses a variety of treatments to achieve these results.

Effectiveness of Myopia Control in Adults

A myopia control program is effective when you begin early. This is the reason myopic patients should see the eye doctor regularly. The eye doctor can put you on a myopia control program as soon as they notice the progression. In addition, myopia control is more effective when you combine it with less screen time.

Myopia Control Strategies

There are several myopia control strategies for adults who have progressive myopia. The two primary strategies effective in myopia control are orthokeratology and multifocal contact lenses or glasses.

• Orthokeratology Lenses

Also known as ortho-k lenses, these lenses are great if you are uncomfortable with eyewear. You put these lenses on at night when you go to sleep. These lenses are specialized to reshape your cornea while you sleep. They give you improved visual acuity throughout the day. They help with controlling the progression of myopia by reshaping the cornea.

• Multifocal Contacts or Glasses

These lenses are helpful in situations where you cannot avoid screen time or near work. They significantly reduce eyestrain in patients with progression of myopia. They are very effective in minimizing the stress on focusing muscles for near vision. In addition, they give a comfortable transition to sharp far vision.

For more on how adults can control myopia, call Atlanta Eye Group at (770) 727-0772 to reach our offices in Alpharetta, Atlanta, or Kennesaw, Georgia.