Glasses or contact lenses can correct nearsightedness but do not stop its progression. Each increase in myopia means the eyeball grows longer. This elongation stretches the delicate inner structures of the eye, especially the retina. High myopia in adulthood is not only inconvenient but also a significant risk factor for serious eye diseases that threaten vision. Therefore, stopping the progression of myopia is a crucial preventive measure for lifelong eye health.
Severe myopia increases the risk of several conditions:
– Retinal detachment: The retina becomes thinner and more prone to tears and holes due to stretching.
– Glaucoma: The risk of optic nerve damage from glaucoma is significantly higher.
– Myopic maculopathy: Damage to the macula, responsible for sharp central vision, which can lead to irreversible loss of central sight.
– Earlier onset of cataracts (clouding of the lens).
Modern ophthalmology offers several scientifically proven and safe methods to slow down the eye’s axial growth and reduce the progression of myopia by up to 50-60%. In our practice, we provide thorough advice to determine the most suitable method for you.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
One of the most effective and easy-to-use treatments is low-dose atropine eye drops, available in concentrations from 0.01% to 0.025%. These drops are typically applied once daily, usually before bedtime. While the exact mechanism is still being studied, it is clear that atropine significantly inhibits the elongation of the eyeball. At these low doses, side effects like light sensitivity or reading difficulties are very rare.
Special Contact Lenses (Orthokeratology and Multifocal Lenses)
These lenses use the principle of peripheral myopic defocus. They not only correct central vision but also change how light is focused on the peripheral retina. This sends a signal to the eye to slow its growth.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves the use of rigid, gas-permeable lenses worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea so that the wearer can see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts. Multifocal soft lenses have different zones with varying powers, similar to progressive glasses. They are worn daily or monthly and create the peripheral defocus needed to control myopia progression.
Special Eyeglass Lenses
For those who cannot or do not want to wear contact lenses, innovative eyeglass lenses offer an alternative. Technologies such as D.I.M.S. (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) and H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) produce hundreds of tiny blurred “islands” around a central clear zone. This design achieves peripheral myopic defocus and helps effectively slow the progression of nearsightedness.
A successful treatment always starts with an accurate diagnosis and careful monitoring of progress. Our process to stop nearsightedness is highly standardized.
First, we conduct a detailed interview about vision development, family history, and lifestyle habits such as screen time and outdoor activities.
Next, we perform a precise measurement of visual acuity. Often, this requires using pupil-dilating drops (cycloplegia) to fully relax the eye for an exact assessment of nearsightedness.
We then measure the axial length of the eye using a highly precise, non-contact biometric method. This is the gold standard to monitor treatment success and objectively determine if eye growth is slowing down.
Finally, based on all findings, Dr. med. Mareen Schmidt provides thorough advice on the available treatment options. Together, you will develop a personalized therapy plan.
No medical treatment can fully make up for an unhealthy lifestyle. The most important way to stop myopia is spending enough time outdoors. Daylight triggers the release of dopamine in the retina, which has been shown to slow down eye growth.
Spend at least two hours outdoors daily in natural daylight.
Apply the 20-20-20 rule by looking at an object 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
The table below provides an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of different methods to halt nearsightedness.
Method | Principle of operation | Advantages | Please note |
|---|---|---|---|
Atropine in concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.025% | Slows down the elongation growth of the eyeball. | The treatment is easy to use with once-daily drops, highly effective, and has a very low rate of side effects. | Still requires glasses or contact lenses to correct vision. |
Ortho-K Linsen (Night lenses) | Overnight corneal reshaping creates peripheral defocus. | Clear vision during the day without the need for glasses. Highly effective and perfect for sports and swimming. | Requires maximum hygiene during handling and regular inspections. Initial costs are higher. |
Multifocal soft lenses | Create peripheral defocus while wearing during the day. | Easy to use and effective. No need to wear glasses during the day. | Daily contact lens hygiene is necessary and not available for all prescriptions. |
Specialized eyeglass lenses | Creating peripheral defocus using advanced glass technology. | Non-invasive with easy handling similar to regular glasses and effective results. | The design of the glasses may take some getting used to and they are more expensive than regular glasses. |
Methods for Myopia Control (Stopping Nearsightedness)
This overview presents the advantages and disadvantages of different methods to control myopia progression.
1. Atropine 0.01% – 0.025%
Mechanism: Slows the elongation of the eyeball.
Advantages: Easy to use with once-daily eye drops, highly effective, and very low risk of side effects.
Considerations: Glasses or contact lenses are still needed to correct vision.
2. Ortho-K Lenses (Night Lenses)
Mechanism: Reshape the cornea overnight to create peripheral defocus.
Advantages: Clear vision during the day without glasses, highly effective, suitable for sports and swimming.
Considerations: Requires strict hygiene, regular check-ups, and has higher initial costs.
3. Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses
Mechanism: Provide peripheral defocus during daytime wear.
Advantages: Easy to handle, good effectiveness, no need for glasses during the day.
Considerations: Daily lens hygiene is necessary, not suitable for all prescription strengths.
4. Specialized Eyeglass Lenses
Mechanism: Use special lens technology to create peripheral defocus.
Advantages: Non-invasive, simple to use like regular glasses, and effective.
Considerations: The appearance of lenses may take some getting used to and they are more expensive than standard lenses.
Therapy should begin as soon as progressive nearsightedness is detected, which often occurs during elementary school years. Early intervention can prevent a greater increase in diopters. Therefore, an early examination is crucial to stop nearsightedness before it reaches high levels.
All methods we use have been tested for safety and effectiveness in large, long-term studies. Low-dose atropine drops have an excellent safety record. Proper hygiene is essential for contact lenses, and we provide thorough training on this. Our main goal is to stop nearsightedness while ensuring maximum safety.
The therapy should usually continue as long as the eyeball is still growing, typically until the late teenage years or early adulthood, around 16 to 18 years old. The decision to stop treatment is always made individually based on measurements of the eye length. Long-term care is essential for successfully managing myopia.stoppen will.
Wässrige Tropfen (z.B. mit reiner Hyaluronsäure) helfen vor allem bei einem Mangel der wässrigen Phase (hypovolämische Form).
Lipidhaltige Tropfen enthalten zusätzlich eine Öl-Komponente und sind bei der weitaus häufigeren evaporativen Form (Meibom-Drüsen-Dysfunktion) notwendig, um die schützende Lipidschicht zu stabilisieren und die Verdunstung zu reduzieren. Wir beraten Sie individuell, welches Produkt optimal ist.
Unfortunately, the costs for modern methods to stop nearsightedness, such as atropine drops, special contact lenses, and eyeglass lenses, are usually not covered by statutory health insurance because they are considered individual health services (IGeL). However, we see this as one of the most important investments in your child's future eye health and provide clear information about all related expenses.
There is no single "best" method. The choice depends on the child's age, the degree of nearsightedness, lifestyle such as sports, ease of use, and personal preferences. In a detailed consultation, we will work together to find the best solution to stop the progression of nearsightedness.
Specialized lenses offer an effective alternative that works as well as other methods. For many children, they provide the easiest and most comfortable option. Choosing to stop nearsightedness does not depend on the type of treatment since there is a suitable solution for almost every child.
The goal of the therapy is to slow down the progression of nearsightedness as much as possible, not to eliminate it completely. Some increase in diopters may still occur during treatment. The key indicator of success is a significantly reduced growth rate of the eyeball, which we measure precisely.
Low-dose atropine eye drops are a prescription medication that must be prescribed by an eye specialist. A specialized pharmacy will prepare them individually for your child. It is not safe to use this treatment without a medical diagnosis and professional supervision. Proper care is essential to effectively halt the progression of nearsightedness.
Managing childhood myopia requires specialized knowledge, experience, and the right technical equipment, especially for measuring axial length. Dr. med. Mareen Schmidt stays updated with the latest scientific findings and offers expert advice on all available treatment options. Her expertise provides the best foundation to effectively halt the progression of nearsightedness.
As your eye specialist in Frankfurt, Dr. med. Mareen Schmidt combines extensive clinical experience as a senior physician in the retina department with over 10,000 intraocular procedures, including IVOM, laser treatments, cataract surgeries, and vitreous surgery. She uses advanced diagnostic techniques to ensure the highest level of care. Her approach emphasizes scientifically based and proven ophthalmology that prioritizes the patient. In her practice located in Frankfurt’s Westend, she dedicates time to accurate diagnosis and offers personalized, trustworthy consultations.
Dr. Mareen Schmidt has been awarded the BDOC Quality Seal for Eye Surgery. This certification, developed by BDOC, recognizes highly skilled eye surgeons and is exclusively granted to experienced specialists in the field.
Use advanced diagnostics and proven treatments to preserve your vision for a lifetime.
Build a trusting relationship between doctor and patient while carefully preserving your eyesight.
