Myopia Control & Treatment | South Coast Optometrists, NSW

Feb 07, 2025

Managing Myopia: Treatment Options for Clearer Vision

Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is a common vision condition that affects distance vision, making far-away objects appear blurry. With rates of myopia increasing, especially among children, it is essential to explore treatment options that can slow progression and preserve long-term eye health.

South Coast Optometrists provides advanced myopia management solutions tailored to each patient, helping to reduce the risk of severe vision impairment in the future.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long or when the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, while close-up vision remains unaffected.

Symptoms of myopia include:

Blurred distance vision (difficulty seeing signs, TV screens, or the board at school)
Squinting or straining to see far objects
Frequent headaches or eye strain
Holding books or screens very close to the face
Needing frequent prescription updates

Myopia often develops in childhood and can progress over time, increasing the risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment later in life.

What Causes Myopia to Progress?

Several factors contribute to myopia progression, including:

Genetics: A child is more likely to develop myopia if one or both parents have it.
Prolonged Near Work: Excessive screen time, reading, and close-up tasks can increase strain on the eyes.
Limited Outdoor Time: Studies show that spending more time outdoors may help slow myopia progression.

Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to slow down the worsening of myopia.

Myopia Treatment Options at South Coast Optometrists

1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses

Specialised overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea while you sleep.
Provides clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts.
Shown to slow myopia progression in children and teenagers.

2. MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses

Soft daily disposable lenses designed specifically for myopia control.
Clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia by up to 59% in children.
Comfortable and easy to wear, making them an excellent option for young patients.

3. Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses

Designed with different zones to correct vision and reduce myopia progression.
A great option for children and adults looking for a flexible, non-surgical treatment.

4. Myopia Control Spectacle Lenses

Specially designed lenses, such as Hoya MiYOSMART and Essilor Stellest, that reduce eye strain and slow myopia progression.
Ideal for children who prefer glasses over contact lenses.

5. Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

A prescription eye drop that reduces myopia progression by relaxing the eye's focusing mechanism.
Works best when combined with glasses or contact lens treatments.
Each treatment option is carefully selected based on age, lifestyle, and myopia severity to ensure the best long-term results.

Why Is Myopia Management Important?

Without intervention, myopia can continue to progress, leading to high myopia, which significantly increases the risk of:

Retinal Detachment: The retina becomes stretched and fragile, increasing the likelihood of vision-threatening detachment.
Glaucoma: Higher eye pressure increases the risk of optic nerve damage.
Cataracts: Myopic individuals may develop cataracts earlier than those with normal vision.
Macular Degeneration: Myopic maculopathy can cause permanent central vision loss.

Slowing myopia progression helps protect long-term eye health and reduce the risk of severe complications in adulthood.

Tips for Reducing Myopia Progression

While myopia cannot always be prevented, lifestyle changes can help reduce strain on the eyes and slow progression:

Encourage Outdoor Play: Spending at least 90 minutes a day outside has been shown to slow myopia progression in children.
Limit Screen Time: Reduce prolonged use of digital devices, tablets, and reading at close distances.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
Ensure Proper Lighting: Avoid reading or using screens in dim lighting, which can increase eye strain.
Attend Regular Eye Exams: Early detection allows for timely intervention and better treatment outcomes.

Book a Myopia Consultation in Seaford

If you or your child are experiencing blurry distance vision, now is the time to take action. At South Coast Optometrists, we offer advanced myopia treatment options to protect your vision and slow progression.