Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common eye condition. It affects a growing number of children and young adults. Myopia develops when the eye grows too long. It causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it, leading to blurry distance vision. Here are ways that optometrists can help control myopia and preserve vision health.

Early Detection and Diagnosis

Optometrists play a crucial role in the early detection and diagnosis of myopia. They perform comprehensive eye exams to determine the presence and severity of nearsightedness. They can also track its progression. Early detection and diagnosis can lead to early intervention. This can slow its progression and preserve visual acuity. 

Prescribing Glasses or Contact Lenses

Optometrists can prescribe glasses or contact lenses to help correct myopia. Corrective eyewear can improve distance vision. It can make it easier for people to take part in everyday activities. The proper prescription glasses or contacts can help slow the progression of myopia. 

Using Atropine Eye Drops

Optometrists may prescribe atropine eye drops to help control myopia progression. Atropine is a medication used to dilate the pupil and relax the focusing muscle in the eye. It can help slow the progression of myopia. 

Promoting Outdoor Activities

Optometrists can advise those with myopia to spend more time outdoors. Spending time outdoors and participating in physical activities can help reduce the risk of developing myopia. It can also help slow its progression.  

Optometrists can also recommend limiting the amount of time spent on near-work activities. These include reading, writing, and computer use, which experts link to myopia development.

Encouraging Good Lighting

Optometrists advise those with myopia to practice good lighting habits. These include using proper lighting when reading, writing, or using a computer. Doing so can help reduce eyestrain and prevent myopia progression. 

Optometrists can also advise people to take regular breaks and give their eyes a rest from near-work activities. This can reduce eyestrain and help prevent the progression of myopia.

Offering Multifocal Contact Lenses or Orthokeratology

Optometrists may offer multifocal contact lenses or orthokeratology to control myopia. Multifocal contact lenses have different focusing powers in different areas of the lens. They can help improve both near and distance vision. Orthokeratology, also known as corneal reshaping, is a nonsurgical procedure. It uses specially-designed contact lenses to reshape the cornea, improving vision. 

Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Optometrists promote healthy lifestyle choices to help control myopia. A healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can help promote eye health. It can also reduce the risk of developing myopia. 

Optometrists advise patients to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. These habits can increase the risk of nearsightedness and other eye problems. Optometrists also promote regular exercise. Physical activity can lower the risk of myopia and improve overall health.

Conclusion

Optometrists play a crucial role in helping control myopia and preserving vision health. Consultation with an optometrist can help you stay on top of your vision health. They can help you avoid the potential long-term consequences of this eye condition.

For more on how optometrists help control myopia, visit Alpha Eye Group at our Philadelphia, Wyomissing, Bethlehem Twp, Doylestown, or Plymouth, Pennsylvania offices. Call (215) 698-7760, (610) 376-7272, (610) 866-1000, (215) 878-7181, (215) 230-4060, or (610) 941-9780 to schedule an appointment today.