Dr. Faheem has the tools and expertise to help slow the progression of myopia in adolescents for healthier eyes in adulthood.
In battle with the Myopia pandemic, The Eye Center of Houston has partnered with the nations most advanced speciality eye care center, The Dry Eye & Speciality Center. The Eye Center of Houston works hand in hand with The Dry Eye & Speciality Center to ensure our patients get the most recent, up-to-date, and technologically advanced treatment available. Patients are still examined and treated over at The Eye Center of Houston, and are assessed as potential candidates for The Dry Eye & Speciality Center. Call us or book an appointment online today!
What is Myopia?
Myopia, or near-sightedness, is the condition of the eye that focuses the image of what we perceive in front of the retina to send to the brain and create our visual perception. This causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects appear in focus. Myopia affects nearly 22% of the world’s population and it is most prevalent in developed countries. This condition is considered to be an epidemic influenced by heavy indoor time and screen time, as well as from focusing mostly on close objects under fluorescent lighting combined with not enough time spent outdoors with natural light and distant objects.
Does Myopia get worse?
Yes, it does. Our bodies have an immense and natural ability to heal themselves and compensate for environmental factors that contribute to imperfection, and our eyes are no exception. In fact, the retina has the ability to detect a blurred image and stimulate cell growth in order to achieve an optimal position for a focused image. However, there are several factors that contribute to inaccuracy (therefore, worse vision) including using regular prescription glasses or contacts as well as not correcting or treating the condition.
Are there risks associated with Myopia?
Yes, the progression of myopia and a high prescription can lead to diseases such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, cataracts, and more.
Is there a cure?
While there is no absolute cure for Myopia, there are several treatments that can slow the progression, especially in young children, as their eyes are still developing and respond well to therapy. Using the latest treatments in optometry and Myopic Control, the retina does not detect a refractive error that would otherwise prompt cell growth that would eventually lead to undesirable consequences. Minimal elongation of the eyeball equals a lower prescription in adulthood, drastically reducing the risks associated with Myopia such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. If you would like to inquire about controlling Myopia and mitigating the risks of future eye disease, please visit the Dry Eye & Specialty Center for more information.
How do I know if my child has Myopia?
Though there are relevant symptoms that are presented with Myopia, such as blurry vision, constant need to squint, frequent headaches, the only way to diagnose Myopia or any other eye-related issue is with a Comprehensive Eye Exam through a certified Optometrist! At the Eye Center of Houston, eye health and vision are a top priority for the entire family at ALL ages. Unlike many other offices, we see patients as young as 6 months of age and highly recommend that every child be seen at that age. A pediatric eye examination at 6 months involves neurological testing that can detect vision and eye problems that if left untreated could damage your child’s eyes and hinder their development and interactions with their surroundings. Early detection and treatment can save your child’s vision and drastically improve their quality of life. If your child has no issues, an examination provides priceless ease of mind that they will possess the visual tools necessary to succeed and live a happy, healthy life!
Therapy and Treatments
Orthokeratology 
Orthokeratology (also known as Ortho-K, Overnight Vision Correction, Corneal Refractive Therapy or CRT) is the only FDA-approved solution to vision correction. It consists of wearing gas-permeable contact lenses overnight that gently reshape the cornea while you sleep for perfect vision during the day WITHOUT the need for glasses or contacts.
Studies show that Orthokeratology reduces the progression rate of myopia, or nearsightedness, in children. Parents often choose orthokeratology treatment to decrease the progression of nearsightedness while also eliminating the need for glasses or contacts. When administered at an early age, orthokeratology can drastically decelerate the progression of Myopia. This means a lower prescription, thinner lenses if glasses are needed, and a reduced probability of Myopia-related eye diseases.
Orthokeratology is advantageous to athletes and patients exposed to allergens and irritants. It’s a great alternative for patients who want clear vision without surgery.
Click here to view a video review by an 8-year-old Orthokeratology patient, and click here for her follow-up video.
Click here to view a video review by an 8-year-old Orthokeratology patient, and click here for her follow-up video.
Did you know? Once you become a patient, you’re part of the family. Our receptionist and doctor are on call until 9pm each night for those ocular emergencies or urgent questions.
Learn more by visiting Dr. Faheem’s Dry Eye & Specialty Center
OCULUS Keratograph® 5M
The OCULUS Keratograph® 5M is an advanced corneal topographer with a built-in real keratometer and a color camera optimized for external imaging. Unique features include examining the meibomian glands, non-invasive tear film break-up time and the tear meniscus height measurement and evaluating the lipid layer.
Thousands of measuring points are used to measure the whole surface of the cornea. A white ring illumination is used for this purpose. An infrared ring illumination is also provided for analysis of the tear film to prevent glare-related reflex secretion. The perfect illumination has been integrated for every function of the Keratograph® 5M: White diodes for the tear film dynamics, blue diodes for fluo-images, infrared diodes for Meibography
Learn more by visiting Dr. Faheem’s Dry Eye & Specialty Center