How can Myopia be Treated?
Eyeglasses, contact lenses and refractive surgery are the primary treatment options for correcting myopia.
Eyeglasses/Contact Lenses-
Myopia is best treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses which compensate for the elongated shape of the eye allowing the light to focus properly on the retina.
Surgical Operations-
Refractive surgery is another option which can reduce or even eliminate the dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The most common procedures are performed using an excimer laser.
Uses of Eximer Laser-
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- Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most commonly performed refractive procedure. A flap is cut through the top of the cornea and the laser removes some corneal tissue and then the flap is dropped back into place.
- In photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, the laser removes a layer of the corneal tissue, which flattens the cornea and allows light rays to focus on the retina.
- Orthokeratology- In this procedure, one has to wear special retainer contact lenses that slowly reshape the cornea to correct your myopia over a period of time. Depending on your eyes, these contact lenses may need to be worn only at night. Orthokeratology is controversial in the eye-care community. Some doctors find that the effects do not last very long.
- Implantation- This is the latest procedure for correcting early or mild myopia. It is the implantation of plastic corneal rings, which alter the shape of the cornea. An advantage of the rings is that they may be removed in case of a problem, adjusted or can be left in place permanently.
