A significant fraction of the global population has myopia, a condition also referred to as nearsightedness. Myopia has been on the rise for a long time, and eye professionals are hard at work looking for ways to control it. People with this condition have no problem seeing close objects but face great difficulty seeing distant objects. Addressing the condition early is crucial to preventing vision complications as one ages.
 

What Causes Myopia Progression?
 

Myopia progression also referred to as the continued elongation of the eye, is what leads to worsening nearsightedness. More children now are developing this condition, which has the potential to increase their risk of developing other eye conditions, such as:

• Glaucoma.
• Retinal detachment.
• Macular degeneration.

The most common interventions here include the use of contact lenses and eyeglasses, which do not slow down myopia progression. However, it is now possible to slow down myopia progression with corneal reshaping therapy.

What Is Corneal Reshaping Therapy?

Corneal reshaping therapy (CRT) is a vision correction method, also referred to as orthokeratology or ortho-k. This non-surgical procedure uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to reshape the eyes gently. People wear these contacts as they sleep and remove them when they wake up. The lenses reshape the eye, allowing the wearer to experience clear vision throughout the day.

These lenses reduce eye growth by up to 43%, with younger children experiencing a more substantial reduction in myopia progression. In addition, the slowed myopia progression continues beyond the first year of treatment. This is a significant advantage over other myopia control methods.

How CRT Works

For effective myopia treatment using CRT, an individual needs to follow these steps:

• Eye Evaluation – You should schedule an appointment with your doctor for a thorough eye examination. The exam results will dictate whether you are a suitable candidate for the treatment. This exam will also check for other eye problems that may have gone unnoticed.
• Lens Fitting – If you are a good candidate for CRT, your eye doctor will create custom lenses for a precise fit. These gas-permeable lenses allow oxygen to get to the eye, so you remain comfortable throughout the night.
• Wear the Lenses at Night – Unlike other lenses worn during the day for vision correction, these are worn at night. As you sleep, the lenses gently reshape your cornea’s curvature to correct the myopia. Upon removal of the lenses, you will enjoy clear vision the next day; you will not need glasses or contacts.
• Regular Eye Checkups – It is necessary to make regular visits to your eye doctor to monitor your progress. During these routine checkups, the eye doctor will evaluate the fit of the lenses and adjust where necessary.

CRT is a revolutionary myopia treatment approach. People with myopia will not need to wear corrective lenses during the day, giving them the freedom they desire.

Also, since it is a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment method, it reduces the chances of complications greatly. Make sure to consult your eye care professional if you want to enjoy the benefits of CRT.

For more on treating myopia with corneal reshaping therapy, visit Westchester Eyes at our office in White Plains, New York. Call (914) 732-1732 to schedule an appointment today.