Myopia, or near-sightedness, is a common eye condition that affects over 2.5 billion people worldwide. It is caused by the eye growing too long, which causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. This can lead to blurry vision, especially for distant objects.
There are a number of treatments available for myopia, including glasses, contact lenses, and surgery. However, there is a new technology that is showing promise for treating myopia in a more natural way.
This technology is called orthokeratology (ortho-k), and it involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, so that light focuses properly on the retina.
Ortho-k has been shown to be effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. In some cases, it can even help to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Ortho-k is a relatively new technology, but it is gaining popularity as more people learn about its benefits. If you are concerned about myopia, talk to your optometrist about whether ortho-k is right for you.
Other recent developments in optometry include:
- The development of new diagnostic tools, such as OCT scans, which can provide detailed images of the retina and other parts of the eye.
- The development of new treatments for eye diseases, such as dry eye and glaucoma.
- The increasing use of telemedicine in optometry, which allows patients to receive eye care from a distance.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the years to come.