A Myopia Clinic is a specialized eye care center or unit within an optometry or ophthalmology practice that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and management of myopia (also known as nearsightedness).

👁️ What is Myopia?

Myopia is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry, while near objects are seen clearly. It occurs when:

  • The eye is too long, or
  • The cornea is too curved,
    Causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Myopia typically begins in childhood and can progress as the child grows, potentially increasing the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, such as:

  • Retinal detachment
  • Myopic maculopathy
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts

🏥 What Does a Myopia Clinic Offer?

1. Comprehensive Eye Exams

  • Measurement of refractive error
  • Assessment of axial length (length of the eyeball)
  • Corneal curvature and visual function analysis
  • Family history and lifestyle review

2. Myopia Control & Management

The goal is to slow down the progression of myopia, especially in children and teenagers.

Common evidence-based treatments include:

🔵 Optical Treatments:

  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special overnight contact lenses that reshape the cornea temporarily
  • Multifocal contact lenses: Designed to reduce eye strain and slow progression
  • Myopia control glasses (e.g., Essilor Stellest, Hoya MiYOSMART)

🔵 Pharmaceutical:

  • Low-dose atropine eye drops (typically 0.01%–0.05%)
    • Proven to slow myopia progression in children

🔵 Behavioral Recommendations:

  • Increasing outdoor time (at least 90–120 minutes/day)
  • Managing near work (limiting screen time, proper reading distance)
  • Use of adequate lighting during reading

3. Regular Monitoring

  • Tracking changes in refractive error and axial length
  • Adjusting treatment plans as the child grows

👨‍⚕️ Who Should Visit a Myopia Clinic?

  • Children diagnosed with early-onset myopia
  • Children or teens with rapidly progressing myopia
  • Individuals with a family history of high myopia
  • Parents concerned about screen time or lifestyle factors
  • Adults with high myopia experiencing complications

🧠 Why Myopia Clinics Are Important

With global myopia rates rising dramatically—expected to affect half the world’s population by 2050—myopia clinics provide specialized care to protect long-term eye health.