How to Correct Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is corrected primarily through corrective lenses or refractive surgery.
The most common and widely accessible method for correcting myopia is using corrective lenses. These lenses, either glasses or contact lenses, are prescribed to focus light correctly onto the retina, improving vision. The prescription for myopia will always be a negative number (e.g., -3.00). [Reference: Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, AOA]
- Eyeglasses: These are the primary choice for most individuals. The strength of the prescription depends on the severity of the myopia. [Reference: AOA]
- Contact Lenses: Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative for many people. Several types exist, including soft lenses and specialty lenses like multifocal lenses designed to slow myopia progression in children. [Reference: Weston Contact Lens Institute]
Refractive Surgery
For adults, and in rare cases for children, refractive surgery offers a permanent solution. Several procedures are available:
- LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis): This is a common procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct the refractive error. [Reference: Lybrate]
Myopia Management (for Children)
For children, the focus is often on managing myopia progression to prevent it from becoming severe. Several methods are used:
- Low-dose atropine eye drops: These drops can slow the progression of myopia. [Reference: American Academy of Ophthalmology]
- Peripheral defocus contact lenses: These lenses manage the focus of light to slow myopia progression. [Reference: American Academy of Ophthalmology]
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This involves wearing special contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. [Reference: Weston Contact Lens Institute, American Academy of Ophthalmology]
Important Note: While some claim natural methods can treat myopia, there is no proven home remedy that can cure nearsightedness. Corrective lenses and surgery remain the most effective treatments. [Reference: Advance Eye Care Center, My Kids Vision] Concave lenses specifically correct myopia by diverging light rays to focus correctly on the retina. [Reference: AllAboutVision]
