Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a growing concern affecting an increasing number of individuals worldwide, particularly at younger ages.
What is myopia?
Myopia is a condition where individuals can see nearby objects clearly but struggle with distance vision, often requiring glasses or contact lenses to see objects far away. In the United States alone, the prevalence of myopia has surged in recent years, with studies indicating that nearly 42% of Americans are myopic, a figure projected to rise significantly in the coming decades.
Understanding myopia and its causes
Myopia develops when the eyeball grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Genetic factors play a significant role. For example, if one or both parents have myopia, their children are at a higher risk. Additionally, prolonged near-vision tasks such as reading or extended screen time are believed to contribute to its development.
What happens if I have a high myopic prescription?
High degrees of myopia, especially if left unmanaged, can lead to serious eye complications in adulthood. These may include an increased risk of glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachments, and macular degeneration. Early intervention and effective myopia control measures are crucial in minimizing these risks.
Advancements in myopia control
Fortunately, technological advancements have revolutionized the approach to managing myopia progression in children. We’re proud to offer clinically proven methods to help stabilize vision and slow down myopia progression effectively.
While myopia control contact lenses are suitable for all ages, they are most effective for children aged 5-18. If your child falls outside this range, our experienced doctors will offer personalized guidance on suitable myopia management strategies.
MiSight contact lenses
These daily disposable soft contact lenses not only correct vision but also slow down myopia progression by altering the way light focuses on the retina. They are suitable for children as young as 8 years old.
NaturalVue contact lenses
These contact lenses aim to slow down the elongation of the eye associated with myopia. Providing clear vision, they’re suitable for children seeking a comfortable and effective myopia control option.
Orthokeratology (ortho-k/CRT)
These specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts. Ortho-K is suitable for children and teenagers.
Multifocal spectacles
These are a convenient and effective option for managing myopia while providing clear vision for daily activities. By altering the way light focuses on the retina, they help reduce eye elongation and potentially decrease the risk of higher myopic prescriptions over time.
Low-dose atropine eye drops
Administered nightly, low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to slow down myopia progression effectively while minimizing side effects. This treatment option is suitable for children ages 5 and older.
The importance of outdoor time
Research suggests that spending at least 2 hours per day outdoors can help reduce the risk of myopia progression in children. Encouraging outdoor activities and minimizing screen time can contribute significantly to managing myopia.
Schedule your appointment today
Protect your child’s vision with myopia management. To take proactive steps to safeguard your child’s future vision, ensure your child’s prescription is up to date and their eye health is monitored regularly by scheduling a children’s eye exam with us.
