Myopia commonly known as nearsightedness results from progressive lengthening of the eye. As light enters the eye it causes objects in the distance to appear blurry. As the eye grows longer, the prescription increases. This elongation increases the likelihood of ocular diseases such as retinal detachment, maculopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. Myopia is a multifactorial condition. Genetics play a role in the development of nearsightedness. Environmental factors such as increased near work has also been shown to be correlated with myopic progression. Fortunately, we offer three evidence-based methods that can be utilized to slow down the progression of myopia. Progressive myopia can be sight-threatening leading to ocular diseases such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma and cataracts. The earlier we control myopia, the better the outcome for your child.
If your child displays one or more of the following habits, he or she should be evaluated for myopia:
Persistent squinting
Needing to sit closer to see
Holding books very close while reading
Seeming to be unaware of distant objects
Excessive blinking
Rubbing eyes frequently
Poor grades or falling behind in school
Progressive myopia can lead to increased risk of ocular disease such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, maculopathy. The earlier the intervention, the better the outcome for your child. Myopia control is a treatment plan implemented by an eye care doctor to help slow down nearsightedness progression. The goal of treatment is to decrease the progression of myopia. At Eyecon Optometry, our doctors implement various evidence-based options that will best fit the patient's lifestyle. During an eye exam, all clinical options will be reviewed to determine the plan of action that is best for you and your child
THREE MYOPIA CONTROL OPTIONS:
ORTHOKERATOLOGY ( ORTHO-K)
Orthokeratology is a corneal reshaping lens therapy that is worn only at night time. The lenses allow for a reversible change in the shape of the front surface of the eye. During wear time, the cornea's top tissue layer is moved from the center of the eye to the periphery and allows the wearer to see during the day without additional lenses or glasses. The tissue moved to the periphery creates plus power leading to peripheral blur that signals the retina to stop myopic eye growth. Studies show that orthokeratology lenses have a 40-60% reduction in myopia progression. Orthokeratology lenses are suitable for patients with low to moderate myopia and astigmatism. Orthokeratology lenses are FDA approved and safe for children and adults of all ages. Orthokeratology is a corneal reshaping lens therapy that is worn only at night time. The lenses allow for a reversible change in the shape of the front surface of the eye. During wear time, the cornea's top tissue layer is moved from the center of the eye to the periphery and allows the wearer to see during the day without additional lenses or glasses. The tissue moved to the periphery creates plus power leading to peripheral blur that signals the retina to stop myopic eye growth. Studies show that orthokeratology lenses have reduced myopia progression. Orthokeratology lenses are suitable for patients with low to moderate myopia and astigmatism. Orthokeratology lenses are FDA approved and safe for children and adults of all ages.
Multifocal contact lenses are worn during the day and taken off before bedtime. However, multifocal lenses differ from regular soft lenses. In addition to the center power with the patient prescription, it also has additional plus power in the periphery of the lens that causes peripheral blur. This peripheral blur works similarly to orthokeratology and serves a cue for the retina to stop myopia progression. Multifocal contact lenses are an excellent option for patients already wearing soft contact lenses or patients with prescriptions too high to be fit in orthokeratology lenses. High astigmatism patients are also a right candidate for multifocal lenses. Multifocal lenses have a similar reduction in progression to orthokeratology at 40-50%. It is important to note that myopia control is only occurring when the lenses are on the eye, so it is recommended that contact lenses be worn daily for at least 10 hours. It is never advised to sleep, shower, or swim in soft contact lenses. It is recommended for kids and teenagers to be fit in daily disposable contact lenses to prevent infection.
Low concentration atropine has been clinically proven to prevent myopia progression. Atropine drops are applied once a day, and normal correction (glasses or contact lenses) is worn throughout the day. Low dose atropine is an excellent alternative for patients who are not yet ready for contact lenses. It can also be added to their myopia control treatment options if progression is still occurring with one of the other treatment options. Low dose atropine is clinically effective in slowing down myopia progression.
The rate of myopia onset is associated with age, with onset at younger age leading to higher risk of developing high myopia
Why does this matter? Research has shown that there is a greater risk of myopia development if parents are myopic.
Why does this matter? Myopia has been described as being caused by extra near work demands compared to previous generations.
Why does this matter? Research suggests that time spent outdoors offers some protection against the development and progression of myopia.
we offer three evidence-based methods that can be utilized to slow down the progression of myopia.
Office Hours
Mon-Wednesday : 9:00 am - 5:45 pm
Thursday: 8:45 am-4:45 pm
Friday: 8:45 am- 4:45 pm
Closed : Saturday, Sunday
