Myopia Control
Myopia is also known as nearsightedness. Patients who are nearsighted typically have trouble seeing at distance but see well at near. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or when the cornea and/or intraocular lens is too curved for the length of the eyeball. Children who have parents that have myopia are much more likely to become myopic. There are also environmental factors that cause myopia which include increase near work, phone/computer use, and lack of outdoor time.
Myopic patients have a risk of developing, especially during the older years:
— glaucoma —
— retinal detachment —
— visually debilitating cataract or other eye diseases —
Common Questions on Myopia control:
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Contact lens (Over-night Corneal Reshaping lenses or Ortho-K)
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Atropine eye drops
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Approximately 7-16 years old, which is the age for the onset of myopia. The Earlier the intervention, the less likely myopia progression will occur and decrease risk of eye diseases.
Over-night Corneal Reshaping lenses or Ortho-K:
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Worn overnight and remove in the morning.
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Temporary change the shape of the cornea (front clear part of the eye), allows clear vision during waking hours without glasses or contacts.
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Reduced myopia progression by an average of 50%.
Atropine:
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Studies shown that low dose (0.025 and 0.05%) allows for effective slowdown of progression for myopia.
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Commonly use in kids that are not ready for contacts.
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Can cause temporary side effects. Easy to use for kids once a night before bedtime
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Common Questions for contacts for kids:
Depending on child maturity and motivation, studies showed children as young as 8 can wear lenses comfortability with good hygiene.
Effectiveness can range from 40-80%. Results vary by patient and success rate unpredictable. Any slowing in progression is consider a success and beneficial.