3 Research Proven Myopia Control Treatments Parents Should Know

Children with high eye power progression can be vulnerable to eye diseases (retinal detachment, macular degeneration and glaucoma) as they grow up. So, here are 3 research proven myopia control treatments to slow down myopia progression.

1. Myopia control lens (Stellest & MiYOSMART)

Myopia control lens (Stellest & MiYOSMART) is a specialized lens designed to slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) by creating specific visual defocus patterns on the retina, to slow down the elongation of the eyeball which is the contributing factor to myopia.

Pros: Safe and non-invasive

Myopia control lens is made of polycarbonate, a break resistant plastic material which can withstand high impact, even when it breaks it hardly gets shattered.

It is also 100% non-invasive as the lens is not touching the eyes. Unlike Ortho-K lenses could scratch the cornea and atropine drops could irritate the eyes. Wearing myopia control lens glasses is just like wearing normal spectacle glasses, safe and easy.

Cons: Lens wear and tear affects effectiveness

Scratched lenses can reduce the effectiveness of myopia control, as the scratches will compromise the lens’ visual defocus design. Therefore, it is crucial to handle myopia control lens glasses with care to ensure effectiveness.

Efficacy: 63-67%

Compliance: Wear 10 hours daily, regular eye check-ups required

Cost: Approximately RM1200-1400/pair (last for 1-2years)

2. Ortho-K Contact Lens

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), also known as corneal refractive therapy (CRT), is a non-surgical method used to correct myopia (nearsightedness) by reshaping the cornea using specially designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses.

Pros: Temporary glasses free

Ortho-k is meant to be worn during sleep to reshape cornea to non-myopia stage. Kids under ortho-k treatment can see clearly without relying on any glasses during the day as the cornea is temporarily compressed to reduce myopia. However, eye power will rebound towards the end of the day as the cornea returns to its original shape.

Cons: High compliance and hygiene issue

Ortho-k requires a very strict compliance, as it needs to be worn 6-8 hours over sleep, sleeping position must be on the back with face up to make sure Ortho-k lenses stay on the cornea.

Moreover, Ortho-k lenses need to be cleaned and stored carefully, otherwise poor hygiene can lead to eye infection.

Efficacy: 60%

Compliance: Wear 6-8 hours during sleep, correct sleeping position, proper hygiene, regular eye check-ups required

Cost: Approximately RM4000-6000/pair (last for 1.5-2 years)

3. Atropine Eye Drop

Atropine dilates the pupils, which can help in reducing the progression of myopia by decreasing the depth of focus and reducing the stimulus for the eye to grow longer.

Pros: Easy to apply

Atropine is usually administered in the form of eye drops. The drops are applied once daily, often before bedtime, to ensure that the medication works throughout the night and day.

Cons: Possible side effects

Low-dose atropine is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. However, some children might experience mild side effects like irritation to the eyes, photophobia/ fear of light, difficulty focusing on near objects, or blurred vision due to dilated pupils.

Efficacy: 50%

Compliance: Drip before bedtime, dosage, regular eye check-ups required

Cost: Approximately RM150-200/consultation, RM100/atropine (follow up every 3-month)

Conclusion

In conclusion, myopia control lens (Stellest & MiYOSMART) is the most cost effective myopia control treatment. Even though Ortho-k is similarly effective, it requires the high level of compliance and hygiene in order to achieve desirable results. Myopia control lens is almost hassle-free, given its non-invasive and safe features, unlike Ortho-k may cause eye infection due to poor hygiene and atropine consists of potential side effects.

No matter which myopia control treatment you opt for your kid, regular check-ups with an eye care professional are essential to monitor their eye health and the effectiveness of your chosen treatment.

Afraid not, at Rx Optometry we provide free follow ups for myopia control lens (Stellest & MiYOSMART) treatment. Better yet, we provide free lens replacement if eye power increases more than -0.75 within 6 months.

Still not sure whether your kid needs myopia control? Bring your kids to Rx Optometry for a pediatric comprehensive eye examination and our optometrists will address and advise any eye conditions they may have.

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