Myopia Control

Myopia Control Specialist

Myopia control can improve your vision and slow the progression of nearsightedness. With the help of leading optometrist Ray Corbin-Simon, OD of In Focus Vision Center & Eyecare, you have plenty of myopia control options available. Find out which one is right for you by scheduling an evaluation with the team at this Piscataway, New Jersey clinic. Schedule your evaluation by clicking on the online scheduling feature, or by calling the office.

Myopia Q & A

What is nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness, also known as myopia or short-sightedness, is a vision problem that means you can clearly view things up close, like while reading. But anything that’s farther away becomes blurry.

The lens along the outer surface of your eye (cornea) allows light to enter, which gets processed in the back of your eye in the retina. When you’re nearsighted, your cornea might be misshapen, making light become refracted or distorted. This forces light to focus on the front of your retina, rather than on it.

In most cases, nearsightedness is genetic, although digital eye fatigue from staring at the screen all day can certainly play a role, too. No matter the cause of your nearsightedness, you have options for improving it with myopia control.

How does myopia control work?

The team at In Focus Vision Center & Eyecare offers four primary types of myopia control solutions to help improve your vision. Each one — described below — works differently and is recommended for various reasons based on your overall eye health, age, and vision.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) involves wearing specialized corrective contact lenses while you sleep. These lenses — worn nightly — gently change the shape of your cornea, so you wake up with clearer vision.

Atropine eyedrops

Atropine eye drops are prescription-strength solutions that dilate your pupil, which completely relaxes the focusing mechanism of your eyes. These drops are known for reducing eye strain, although you’re still probably going to need reading glasses.

Multifocal contact lenses

Multifocal contact lenses have different powers at varying zones along the surface. They can correct for both near- and farsightedness.

Multifocal eyeglasses

Multifocal eyeglasses are the latest in progressive eyewear. These specialized lenses have different powers at various parts of the lens, much like multifocal contact lenses. Research even suggests that multifocal eyeglasses can slow the progression of myopia.

Myopia generally occurs among school-aged children and progresses quickly during pre-teen years, although adults can certainly develop myopia, too. This is why early intervention with myopia control is so important — it can minimize further vision issues.

When will my vision improve with myopia control?

Right away in most cases. Issues with nearsightedness should resolve as soon as you use your atropine eyedrops, put in your multifocal contact lenses, or slip on your multifocal eyeglasses.

The only exception is orthokeratology. While you should notice an improvement rather quickly with ortho-k — possibly within a few days — it does take a little time to resolve nearsightedness with this option.

Find out if you’re a candidate for myopia control by scheduling an evaluation at In Focus Vision Center & Eyecare. Book your visit either online or over the phone.