Myopia Treatment in Tacoma, WA

Myopia occurs when a child’s eye is growing at a faster rate than desired.

The reason this happens is the subject of intense research. What we do know is this creates increased axial length ( the eye is longer than expected). The most common symptom of myopia is blurry distance, vision, also known as nearsightedness. Just a few decades ago nearsightedness was treated with glasses alone. In fact, many doctors were taught in school to purposely undercorrect a child’s nearsightedness “To make the child’s eyes stronger”. We now know that thinking was completely incorrect.

What has research shown to be the best Strategies and Treatments for Myopia today?

Myopia, is now thought of and treated as a chronic disease. Myopia progression can lead to complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts, underscoring the importance of effective myopia diagnosis and proper treatment. It is impacting millions worldwide. As urbanization increases, so does the prevalence of myopia, leading to a growing concern for eye health. Fortunately, TACOMA EYE at Westgate offers various strategies and treatments available for myopia management, all of these treatments have been researched for safety and children and they’ve been determined to be effective way to slow down its myopic progression.

Common Myopia Control Methods:

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This innovative method involves wearing gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. By removing the lenses in the morning, the cornea remains reshaped throughout the day, providing clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K has shown promising results in slowing down myopia progression.
Multifocal Contact Lenses and Eyeglasses: Mi Sight contact lenses (FDA approved) and eyeglasses have different prescription zones for near and distance vision, reducing eye strain associated with focusing on close objects. These options can effectively slow down myopia progression in certain individuals.
Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops can relax the eye’s focusing mechanism, thereby slowing down myopia progression. This treatment, prescribed by eye care professionals, requires close monitoring but has demonstrated effectiveness in controlling myopia.
Behavioral Interventions: Encouraging outdoor activities and reducing prolonged near-work activities, such as reading and screen time, can help slow down myopia progression in children.
Peripheral Defocus Lenses: These specialized lenses create different levels of focus in the peripheral and central areas of the retina, potentially aiding in myopia control.

Personalized Approach:

It’s essential to recognize that the effectiveness of myopia control methods can vary from person to person. Factors such as age, severity of myopia, and individual eye characteristics are considered when determining the most suitable approach for myopia management at TACOMA EYE. Regular eye exams and consultations with eye care professionals are crucial in this process.

Early Intervention Matters:

Myopia control is particularly critical for children in Tacoma, WA and surrounding areas, as their eyes are still developing. Early intervention and appropriate management can potentially reduce the risk of severe myopia and associated eye health complications in the future. it is important to be followed by a Doctor has adequate training in Myopia, with the instrumentation necessary to properly follow this condition. As we now know, myopia cannot be treated effectively with eyeglasses alone!

Your child’s consult at Tacoma Eye is the first step in exploring myopia control strategies and treatments. Our proven treatments offers hope for those children affected by nearsightedness. By understanding the underlying causes and risks of myopia, individuals can work with their eye care professionals to identify the most effective approach for their unique needs. TACOMA EYE offers proactive measures and personalized care, setting your child up for healthier adulthood. We strive towards healthier vision and better eye health for all.