Why Should We Focus on Myopia?
Approximately 35% of all Americans are currently myopic, with 58% of Americans projected to be myopic by 2050. Children have a 3x higher risk of becoming myopic with 1 myopic parent, and a 6x higher risk with 2 myopic parents. More children are becoming myopic due to environmental and genetic factors. Research indicates that increased screen time in addition to reduced time spent outdoors heavily contributes to this sudden increase. If undiagnosed, myopia can lead to difficulties in school and extracurricular activities. However, the most concerning problem is the increased risk of eye diseases associated with myopia throughout a person’s life.
Myopia progresses over time due to the gradual growth of the eye. The longer the eye, the higher the myopia. At the same time, other vital eye structures are stretched, increasing the risk of eye disease later in life. The earlier a myopia diagnosis is made in a child, the higher the risk becomes for severe myopic progression and additional eye disease. Therefore, early diagnosis and intervention is key to your child’s ocular health.
Treatment Options
Currently, there are three non-invasive treatments aimed at slowing the progression of myopia in the United States: 1) Orthokeratology (overnight contact lenses), 2) MiSight (daytime custom soft contact lenses), and 3) prescription eye drops (low-dose atropine). All three options have great results validated by peer reviewed clinical studies. We will work with you to determine which treatment is best for your child during our initial consultation.
Ortho-K
Ortho-K, or orthokeratology lenses, are custom contact lenses that are designed to be worn overnight only. These lenses are personalized to each patient’s eye in order to gently reshape the front surface, similar to an overnight retainer prescribed by an orthodontist. The lenses are removed in the morning, allowing the patient to see clearly during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Prescription Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops instilled before bedtime can reduce the progression of myopia. This is a great option for younger patients who are not yet ready for contact lenses. Patients will still need to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
MiSight multifocal soft lenses are designed to be worn during the day and removed each night before bed. Their unique design slows the progression of myopia while also correcting the child’s vision throughout the day, allowing them to be free of glasses.
Treating myopia as quickly as possible can help to reduce your child’s chances of developing serious eye conditions that can threaten their ability to see the world around them. If you notice that your child is having difficulties seeing objects that are far away, or they are beginning to struggle in school or in sports, contact us today to schedule a consultation to see if myopia management is right for you.
