Can congenital myopia be cured?
Disease description:
Both of my parents are nearsighted, and I have been nearsighted since childhood. I have worn glasses for many years. I would like to know whether this kind of congenital myopia can be cured.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Shuai
Congenital myopia generally cannot be cured, but the condition can be improved and the progression of myopia controlled through various methods.
For individuals with mild to moderate myopia, vision can be corrected by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. This method is simple, convenient, and provides immediate results. By wearing properly prescribed glasses or contact lenses, light can be correctly focused onto the retina, resulting in clear vision.
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses are suitable for children and adolescents, especially those experiencing rapid progression of myopia. By wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight, the shape of the cornea can be temporarily altered, allowing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses, while also helping to slow the progression of myopia.
When myopic patients reach 18 years of age and their prescriptions have stabilized, they may consider refractive surgeries such as semi-femtosecond laser surgery or full-femtosecond laser surgery. These procedures correct myopia by reshaping the cornea, although costs may vary depending on factors such as hospital level and geographic location.
For patients with high myopia or thin corneas who are unsuitable candidates for laser surgery, implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery is an alternative. This procedure involves implanting an artificial lens made of special material into the eye via minimally invasive surgery. The implanted lens works together with the natural lens to correct vision.
Patients should also maintain good eye hygiene, undergo regular eye examinations, and engage in appropriate outdoor activities. These measures can help slow the progression of myopia.
