Can myopia be corrected without glasses?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while nearby objects are seen clearly. Glasses or contact lenses are the most common methods to correct myopia. However, in some cases, myopia can also be corrected without the need for glasses or contact lenses through various methods:

Refractive surgery:

- Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK): A surgical procedure that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, to correct vision problems.

- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): Similar to LASIK, PRK also reshapes the cornea using a laser, but it does not involve the creation of a corneal flap.

- Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICLs): Also known as implantable contact lenses, ICLs are thin lenses that are placed inside the eye to correct refractive errors, including myopia.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):

Ortho-k involves wearing specially designed contact lenses during sleep. These lenses gently reshape the cornea to temporarily correct myopia, allowing clear vision during the day without glasses or contact lenses.

Corneal Inlays/Onlays:

Certain types of corneal inlays or onlays, which are small devices placed on the cornea, can help correct myopia by altering the corneal shape and focusing capabilities.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE):

This surgical procedure involves removing the eye's natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that is specifically designed to correct myopia.

It is important to consult with an eye doctor or optometrist to determine the best course of action for correcting myopia based on an individual's specific needs, preferences, and medical history.