Myopia:

The retina is in the back as pictured below. The cornea is in front of the lens of the eye. In an eye with myopia, it is too long, and the light rays are bent into a point of focus in front of the retina.

In the above chart you can see the difference in ones vision with myopia.

Treatment for Myopia:

There are several ways of corrective treatment for most cases of myopia. Those include glasses, contact lenses, and surgery. In the case of prescriptions for lenses the number will be a negative one. The higher the number, the stronger your strength is.

Surgeries:

Laser Surgery-The most common types are performed with what is known as an excimer laser. There are two types. The first type is PRK which stands for photorefractive keratectomy. In this procedure the laser removes a layer of corneal tissue and thus flattens the cornea. This allows light rays to focus closer to or even on the retina. There is also the more well known type which is LASIK. This is short for laser-assisted in situ keratomileleusis. In this procedure a flap is cut through the top of the cornea. Then a laser removes some of the corneal tissue and the flap is dropped back into place.

Lenses:

For those with mild cases of myopia regular contact lenses with a negative number may be all that are needed but there are alternatives and special cases.

Orthokeratology-This are special contact lenses that you wear that slowly reshape the cornea over time. When the lenses are removed (after the time required) the cornea temporarily retains it shape so that you can see clearly.

Corneal Refractive Therapy- also known as CRT is an orthokeratology type procedure in which one wears a cornea shaping lenses. These types of lenses are worn during the night thus one does not need to wear any lenses during the daytime.

Corneal Rings-The implantation of these rings does require surgery and is for mild cases of myopia. The purpose is to alter the shape of the cornea. The rings can be left in place permanently or removed for adjustment if ones prescription changes or if there are any problems that arise.

Myopic Degeneration:

Myopic Degeneration is not a common eye condition but it is the seventh leading cause of blindness in the United States. Approximately one third of the myopic population has degeneration myopia. It’s characteristics are the progress stretching of the eye that damages the retina. Those with this condition have decreased vision, headaches, and are sensitive to light. When there are retinal changes, such as detachment or degeneration, one may also see light flashes and floaters. All have an increased risk of cataract formation. It is important to note that if you do have myopic degeneration to avoid dangerous activities that could involve injuries to the head.

Lenses and Surgeries:

LASIK is not recommended.

Refractive surgery with intraocular lens implantation may be an option.

Soft contact lenses can be worn in most instances but care must be given to monitor for hypoxia.

Gas-permeable lenses are the better alternative. Specifying a minus edge lenticular design will serve for comfort in wear and also minimize and complications.

Brought to you by:

Visual Innovations & Solutions

http://visualinnovations.org/