What Treatments are Available to Those With Refractive Vision Errors?

If you have a refractive error such as myopia (nearsightedness), you may be wondering about all the options available to you. Fortunately, there are a wide variety, and you can pick the one that is right for your eyes and lifestyle.

Glasses and Contacts

Eyeglasses and traditional contact lenses are the most well-known solutions for refractive errors. Eyeglasses are available for all ages, from infants to the elderly, and in all prescriptions. Contacts, on the other hand, are only suitable for those old enough to properly care for them and may not be appropriate for those with dry eyes or certain other conditions.

Surgery

LASIK is the most common eye surgery for individuals with refractive errors. The surgery is generally very safe and successful, but it is important to find a doctor that you trust. Read reviews online and ask friends and family for recommendations. Only adults with stable prescriptions and healthy eyes are eligible for this procedure.

Another type of surgery, known as SMILE, is similar to LASIK but only corrects myopia. The risk of dry eye after SMILE is less than after LASIK. Your doctor can help you decide which of the procedures, if either, is the best option for you.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology is the process of temporarily reshaping the cornea with contact lenses. One common type is corneal refractive therapy Halifax. CRT involves wearing special lenses at night. Overnight, the lenses reshape the surface of your eye so that you can see clearly the following day. To maintain the improved vision, the CRT lenses must bee worn regularly. If the therapy is discontinued, your eyes will revert to their natural shape within a few days. CRT has been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children.

With today’s technology, everyone can have clear vision. Speak with your eye doctor to determine which solution is best for your particular needs.