Nearsightedness, also referred to as myopia, is a refractive error that usually develops during your younger years. Having an eye that’s too long or a cornea that’s too curved are major risk factors. These structural infirmities may compromise the light-bending process in your eyes, preventing you from seeing distant figures clearly.
For your improved visual acuity, Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry offers various myopia control options. Your expert optometrist explains how each one works.
Atropine Eye Drops
Applying atropine eye drops causes your pupils to enlarge, temporarily stopping the focusing and accommodation processes in your eyes. This allows you to see objects from afar better. This method promises immediate, but short-lived effects.
Multifocal Lenses
The most common way to control myopia progression is to wear corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses. Your eye care specialist may prescribe using multifocal lenses with more than one lens powers, letting you easily recognize things at varying distances. This way, you won’t have problems doing any task at any range.
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology is a form of non-surgical corneal reshaping therapy. This involves using gas-permeable contact lenses while you sleep. They correct your corneal infirmities overnight, allowing your retina to receive light rays accurately. Once you wake up, you may remove the ortho-k lenses and enjoy better eyesight for an entire day without additional myopia control methods.
LASIK
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or LASIK eye surgery requires using a laser to create a flap on your corneal surface. We’ll then retract the corneal flap and remove the unnecessary tissue causing your refractive error. This process eliminates corneal surface irregularities, giving you better vision, especially when viewing distant objects.
For more information about the different myopia control methods, call us at (703) 660-9494, or complete our form to request an appointment. We serve Alexandria and the surrounding Virginia communities.