How is myopia treated? And does it have long-lasting effects on a child's eyesight?

In addition to the above answers, some forms of vision correction for myopia are spectacles, contact lenses, refractive surgery and orthokeratology. With traditional spectacles and contact lenses, they focus light rays onto the retina to provide clear vision. Unfortunately, peripheral light rays may be focused at the back of the eye ball causing elongation, which means an increase in myopia. As a means of myopia control, there are several ways, of which the most effective methods proven are Orthokeratology and/or Atropine eye drops. With the former, there will be no need for day time spectacles or contact lenses as the patient will have clear vision for about 18 hours while the latter requires the patient to continue with spectacles as a form of vision correction. Both forms of treatment have been proven to control myopia by about 50%. With Orthokeratology and Atropine, we normally talk about the risks and side effects respectively and it will be best to discuss with your practitioner to see if a particular treatment is suitable for your child.