Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a widely prevalent vision problem. If you’re one of the millions living with myopia, you may have wondered: Can myopia be reversed?
While myopia can’t be reversed, there are ways to manage and potentially slow the progression of myopia, especially in children. In this blog, we’ll explore what myopia is, what causes it, and how it can be managed.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia is a refractive error, meaning that it results from the shape of the eye focusing light incorrectly. In those with myopia, the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. This causes the eye to focus light in front of the retina (a layer of tissue at the back of the eye that transmits vision signals to the brain) rather than directly onto it. The result is blurry vision for objects at a distance.
In the past, myopia was managed by correcting vision with glasses or contact lenses. These corrective measures help focus light properly, giving the wearer clear vision. However, in recent years, there’s been growing interest in understanding myopia and finding ways to manage it beyond just correcting vision with eyewear.
Can Myopia Be Reversed?
Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse myopia after it arises. Once the changes in the eye that result in myopia appear, they are permanent.
Fortunately, however, there are still a number of treatment options available. While these treatments don’t actually reverse the condition, they can correct vision and help prevent it from getting worse, especially in young children who are at the highest risk of myopia progression.
Myopia Control Methods
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
One of the most exciting ways of managing myopia is orthokeratology, or ortho-k. Ortho-k involves wearing special contact lenses overnight.
These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, temporarily correcting refractive error. By reshaping the cornea, ortho-k can help control the progression of myopia, particularly in children and teenagers.
Ortho-k can also reduce dependency on glasses during the day.
Myopia Control Contact Lenses
Contact lens technology has led to the development of lenses like MiSight that are designed to slow myopia progression. These lenses are different from traditional corrective lenses in that they focus light in a way that slows elongation of the eyeball—a key factor in myopia progression.
The key advantage of these myopia control contact lenses is that they address the root cause of myopia — the elongation of the eyeball — rather than simply correcting the vision. As with ortho-k, they won’t reverse myopia, but they can help slow its progression for those who suffer from the condition.
Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine eye drops have been used traditionally to dilate the eyes during eye exams. However, studies have shown that low-dose atropine eye drops can be effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children.
These drops are typically used daily before bed. While the mechanism of their function is still unclear, it’s thought that they work by relaxing the muscles around the eye.
Although atropine drops won’t reverse myopia, it can help control its progression, preventing it from getting worse over time. It’s typically used in combination with other myopia control strategies.
Lifestyle Changes & Vision Therapy
There’s increasing evidence that certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing or worsening myopia.
Spending more time outdoors, for instance, has been shown to be beneficial for eye health.
Natural light exposure is also believed to play a role in slowing myopia progression. The more time children spend outdoors, the less likely they are to develop myopia.
In addition to outdoor activity, some people benefit from vision therapy, which involves a series of exercises designed to strengthen eye muscles and improve focus. While vision therapy doesn’t reverse myopia, it may help manage certain visual problems associated with the condition.
Can Myopia Be Prevented?
While myopia can’t really be prevented, there are ways to reduce the risk of children developing the condition. As mentioned above, spending time outdoors and limiting the amount of time spent on close-up activities (like reading or using digital devices) can reduce the risk of developing myopia.
Early intervention with myopia control strategies like ortho-k lenses or myopia control contact lenses can also help slow progression in children.
The Importance Of Regular Eye Exams
Even if myopia can’t be reversed, it’s essential to monitor its progression regularly. Routine eye exams are important for catching any changes in vision early on. Early intervention can help with myopia management and prevent complications later in life.
Care For Your Vision
While there isn’t currently a way to reverse myopia, there are several treatments available for managing and slowing its progression, particularly in children. If you or your child are struggling with myopia, speak with one of our optometrists at The Village Eye Care. With the right care and attention, you can help protect your child’s future vision!
