MYOPIA CONTROL
Are you concerned that your glasses get stronger every year, or do you find yourself worrying about your child's future and whether or not he or she will become as nearsighted as you are? The truth is that myopia progression brings with it increased risks of ocular pathology such as cataracts and retinal detachments. It can be a helpless feeling to stand by as your nearsighted prescription gets progressively stronger, but you don't have to feel like a victim any longer. Take control of your vision with one of several safe and effective myopia treatment strategies offered from our eyecare center.
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MYOPIC CORNEAL RESHAPING
PARAGON CRT is an FDA approved specialty lens used for myopic corneal reshaping (MCR). Also known as orthokeratology (ortho-k), MCR is a non-surgical procedure that eliminates the need to wear corrective lenses throughout the day. Rigid contact lenses are inserted each night before sleep and during the night these corneal reshaping lenses apply a small amount of pressure, slightly flattening the cornea of the eye. Upon waking in the morning, the CRT lenses are removed and the patient enjoys clear vision for the entire day.
According to the LORIC study, ortho-k has both a corrective and a preventative effect in childhood myopia. Therefore, corneal reshaping is encouraged at the earliest sign of myopia development. The lower the amount of myopia and the sooner treatment is initiated, the more control we have over myopia progression. Corneal reshaping is a safe treatment at any age and since it is completely reversible, you have freedom and control to stop treatment at any time.
Orthokeratology is also an excellent alternative for adults who cannot tolerate the inconvenience of a glasses frame or who work in an environment that is not conducive to daily contact lens wear. With corneal reshaping, nothing stands between you and excellent vision whether you are playing sports, hiking in the mountains, or working in a dusty environment.
ANTI-FATIGUE OPHTHALMIC LENSES
There is growing evidence that myopia progression can also be a result of excessive visual stress brought on by prolonged or continuous near tasks such as reading or computer use. Essilor Antifatigue Lenses give relief to visually stressed eyes by providing pristine distance vision correction while adding a small amount of magnification in the lower part of the lens. This slight "power boost" relaxes the need for the eyes to over-focus at close working distances, therby reducing the stimulus to myopia progression.
ANTI-FATIGUE CONTACT LENSES
Multifocal contact lenses also have anti-fatigue properties and can be an excellent alternative to wearing glasses. These contact lenses have a low power magnification built into the lens, and no manual eye or head adjustments are needed to benefit from the anti-fatigue property of the lens. You are able to enjoy a natural transition between distance and near viewing while taking an important step in keeping myopic progression under control.
EVALUATION AND TREATMENT FOR MYOPIA
Eye Care Center of Colorado Springs offers all of these treatment strategies. Please don't forget to ask Dr. Bro or Dr. Johnson about myopia control during your next comprehensive eye examination. Our doctors and staff are happy to work as a team with you to take a pro-active approach to the treatment of myopia progression.
