Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Fortunately, several effective treatments exist to manage myopia and improve visual acuity.

1. Corrective Lenses: The most common and non-invasive treatment for myopia is the use of corrective lenses. Prescription eyeglasses with concave lenses help to redirect incoming light onto the retina, allowing distant objects to come into focus. Contact lenses are another option, providing a more natural field of view compared to glasses.

2. Refractive Surgery: Refractive surgeries offer a more permanent solution for myopia. Procedures such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) involve reshaping the cornea to improve its focusing ability. These surgeries aim to reduce or eliminate the dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K involves using specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. This allows for clear vision during the day without the need for corrective lenses. However, the effects are reversible and require consistent nightly use.

4. Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have shown promise in slowing down myopia progression in children. Atropine helps to relax the eye muscles and control the elongation of the eyeball, potentially reducing the degree of myopia over time.

5. Multifocal Lenses: Multifocal contact lenses or glasses with progressive lenses may be prescribed to individuals with both myopia and presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects due to aging). These lenses provide clear vision at various distances.

6. Behavioral Interventions: Encouraging outdoor activities, especially in childhood, has been associated with a reduced risk of myopia development and progression. The “20-20-20” rule, where individuals take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes of close work, can also help alleviate eye strain.

In summary, Dr. JS SRA provides a diverse array of services catering to individuals with myopia, ranging from conventional corrective eyewear to advanced interventions such as refractive surgery and orthokeratology, ensuring not only clear vision but also long-term eye wellness.