Why is Myopia Management Important?

Myopia tends to worsen with age, especially in children whose eyes are still developing. The earlier myopia develops, the greater the likelihood it will continue to progress throughout childhood and adolescence. This can lead to a much higher prescription by the time they reach adulthood. Myopia management seeks to slow this progression, reducing the chances of developing serious vision problems later in life.

Some of the risks associated with high myopia include:

• Increased risk of retinal detachment
• Higher likelihood of cataracts
• Greater chance of glaucoma
• Potential for permanent vision loss
• Our Approach to Myopia Management

We offer a variety of myopia control options tailored to your child’s specific needs. After a comprehensive eye examination, we will discuss the best treatment options to slow the progression of myopia.

1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):

Orthokeratology is a non-surgical solution where specially designed contact lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea. This treatment can help reduce the progression of myopia while providing clear vision throughout the day without glasses or contact lenses.

2. Myopia Control Glasses and Contact Lenses:

Specialized glasses and contact lenses are designed to slow down myopia progression. These lenses help manage the elongation of the eyeball, which is the primary cause of myopia progression.

Soft Ortho K Contact Lenses: These soft, single-use contact lenses are specifically designed for children and are clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia.

Myopia Control Lenses: These lenses use a special lens design that provides myopia control through peripheral defocus.

3. Atropine Eye Drops:

Low-dose atropine eye drops are an option for slowing myopia progression. These drops are used nightly and are proven to help control myopia in children by affecting the growth of the eye.

4. Lifestyle and Environmental Changes:

Encouraging your child to spend more time outdoors and reduce screen time can play a role in myopia management. Studies have shown that outdoor activities help reduce the risk of myopia progression.

Who Needs Myopia Management?

Myopia management is most effective when started early. Children between the ages of 6 and 12, who show signs of myopia progression, are ideal candidates for treatment. However, even older children and teenagers can benefit from myopia control.

Signs that myopia management may be needed include:

• Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, such as the board in school
• Increased reliance on glasses or contact lenses
• A family history of myopia or high myopia
• Rapidly changing prescriptions year after year

What Are the Benefits of Myopia Management?

Slows progression: Myopia management methods have been shown to slow the rate of myopia progression, keeping your child’s prescription stable.

Reduces the risk of eye disease: By controlling myopia progression, you can help reduce the long-term risk of serious eye diseases.

Improves quality of life: Slowing down the progression of myopia helps prevent the need for stronger prescriptions and enhances overall vision quality as your child grows.

Customized treatment options: We offer a variety of personalized solutions tailored to your child’s specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Getting Started with Myopia Management

If you’re concerned about your child’s vision or notice that their prescription is changing rapidly, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our eye care professionals. During the exam, we will assess your child’s eye health, determine the rate of myopia progression, and discuss the most suitable treatment options.

Early intervention is key to effective myopia management, so don’t wait! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help safeguard your child’s vision for the future.