Bifocal and Multifocal Glasses to Control Myopia

There is evidence to suggest that decreased eyeglass prescription for reading relative to the full distance prescription might help control the progression of myopia in children. This is achieved with bifocal or multifocal (no line bifocal) eyeglass lenses.

“Bifocals” or “Multifocals” are lenses designed to provide proper distance prescription when viewing distance targets and a lower near prescription when looking lower to read or use a computer. It has been suggested that the accommodative response (the action of the eyes “accommodating” to see different distances by changing focus) may play a role in progressive myopia. If the accommodative response is related to the progression of myopia, it seems reasonable that the reduction of the accommodative response, which happens through the use of plus reading glasses or through the use of bifocals on already myopic children, should also have the effect of reducing the rate of progression of myopia in children. Such has been reported by a number of investigators (Betz, 1949; Gamble, 1949; Miles, 1957, 1962; Parker). See Myopia Research Library tab on the homepage for more information and links to modern studies

Our doctors spend time evaluating if your childs specific diagnosis might be aided by this therapy, other therapies or a combination of therapies to help manage the progression of their myopia. Options such as OrthoK, cornea refractive therapy including paragon crt (vision shaping treatment) are particularly helpful when seeking to improve eyesight in children, and reduce change in vision, specifically myopia in children and may, in some cases reduce the risk of children with myopia advancing to high myopia.

For further information about nearsightedness and controlling myopia, visit an eye doctor and myopia specialist near you.