Myopia Control [insert graphic from MiSight and edit title]
The Myopia Epidemic
Myopia (nearsightedness) is on the rise. With our children spending more time in front of screens and less time outdoors, myopia is fast becoming an epidemic. 50% of the world’s population will be myopic by the year 2050.
There are now treatments to slow the progression of myopia.
Our doctors are trained in myopia control using specialty contact lenses or eye drops.
If there is any amount of myopia prior to age 11, myopia control strategies are strongly advised. Increasing exposure time to outdoor sunlight lowers the chance of nearsightedness in children. If one parent is myopic here is a 25% chance that a child will develop myopia. If both parents are myopic, that number jumps to 50%. See the link at the end of this page with a myopia calculator showing how much your child’s risk for developing myopia [get link to myopia calculators].
Three main options for myopia control–depending on the activities and vision requirements of your child:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho K):
Ortho K can be thought of as the optical equivalent of dental braces. Ortho K uses overnight wear gas permeable contact lenses that gently reshape the surface of the corneas while sleeping. In the morning, the lenses are removed and eliminate the need for daytime glasses or contact lenses! This is ideal for active kids who are involved in sports and other activities. Ortho K lenses must be worn every night to maintain the effect. Studies show that axial elongation (eye growth) is slowed an average of 40-60% with this method. Ortho K lenses can be worn by children as young as 7-10 years of age. The safety and efficacy of Ortho K lenses has been well documented.
[insert images of OrthoK from Paragon CRT to place here]
- Atropine Eye Drops:
Studies have found that low dose atropine drops, used at bedtime, decreases progression of myopia by 50-87%. Atropine may have some side-effects which may include blurred near vision, less accommodation (focusing ability at near distances), and light sensitivity. The concentration can be modified based on any symptoms your child may have. This treatment is recommended for children who are unable to wear contact lenses and is often used in conjunction with Soft Multifocals or Ortho K lenses. Atropine therapy requires off-label use (i.e. not FDA approved) and must be made at specialty compounding pharmacies.
[insert graphic of child with eye drops]
- Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses:
There are special soft contact lenses worn during the day that limit the axial growth of the eye by focusing peripheral light in front of the retina. This has been shown to reduce eye elongation seen in myopia. Our doctors are certified to prescribe MiSight 1-Day, which are now FDA approved for Myopia Control. Carefully controlled 3, 5 & 7 years studies show that axial elongation is slowed an average of 59% with this method. For more information click here…[Get MiSight graphic]
Our Brilliant Futures program uses the MiSight 1-Day disposable, soft contact lenses that fit and feel like a usual contact lenses. They not only correct distance vision, like a typical contact lens or glasses, but have the added benefit of being clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia.
Click here to learn more about this revolutionary FDA approved treatment program (Need link–separate page or same page???)