WHAT IS MYOPIA?
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. Myopia has become increasingly prevalent, especially in younger populations
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR MYOPIA?
- Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in the development of myopia. If one or both parents have myopia, there’s a higher likelihood that their children will develop it as well.
- Increasing Age: Myopia often develops and progresses during childhood and adolescence. It can stabilize in early adulthood, but in some cases, it might continue to worsen.
- Near Work: Prolonged periods of close-up activities such as reading, using electronic devices, or doing detailed tasks.
- Inadequate lighting or with poor posture.
- Lack of Outdoor Time: Spending less time outdoors, especially during early childhood. Outdoor light exposure seems to have a protective effect against myopia.
- Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, particularly East Asians, have a higher prevalence of myopia compared to others.
HOW CAN MY CHILD BE TESTED FOR MYOPIA?
Detection is based on a comprehensive eye exam and testing with the Myopia Master by Oculus. You will get an answer the same day as your eye exam!
WHAT IS MYOPIA MANAGEMENT?
Myopia management involves various treatment strategies aimed at slowing down the progression of myopia, primarily in children and adolescents. At Vision Source, we offer an assortment of treatment methods based on your child’s individual needs.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):
This involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K has been shown to slow down the progression of myopia in some cases.
Atropine Eye Drops:
Low-dose atropine eye drops are used to dilate the pupil and temporarily relax the focusing mechanism of the eye. This can slow down myopia progression, but it’s typically used under the supervision of an eye care professional due to potential side effects.
MISIGHT:
CooperVision MiSight® 1-Day contact lens. These contacts are FDA-approved for treatment. MiSight contact lenses are daily disposable, soft contact lenses designed to control myopia progression in children ages 8 to 15 years.
WHAT AGE CAN TREATMENT BEGIN?
At Vision Source, Dr. Rodriguez recommends an evaluation and initiating treatment the sooner the better from ages 4 & up! Even if your child does NOT wear glasses yet, evaluation can still be performed for potential Myopia development.
WHAT ELSE CAN PARENTS DO TO HELP?
- Behavioral Interventions: Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors has been associated with a reduced risk of myopia progression. The “outdoor effect” suggests that natural light and time spent outdoors might have a protective effect against myopia.
- Environmental Modifications: Adjusting the lighting and viewing distances during tasks like reading and using electronic devices can help reduce eye strain and potentially slow down myopia progression.
- Outdoor light exposure seems to have a protective effect against myopia.
- Frequent breaks during close up work such as an electronic device, gaming or homework .
WHAT IS NEXT?
- Schedule your comprehensive eye exam by contacting our office.
- Let our staff know you would like more information about MYOPIA testing and the treatment options.
- During your comprehensive eye exam, we will perform a series of testing including an in office assessment with the Myopia Master by Oculus.
- Doctor will then evaluate your child’s findings and recommend a custom treatment plan.
- We will also provide you with estimated cost and payment options.
- Contact us today to begin your child’s MYOPIA Management treatment journey!
Remember, only a qualified eye care professional can provide accurate recommendations based on a thorough evaluation of your eye health and condition. If you’re experiencing changes in your vision or suspect you have myopia or any other vision concerns, schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam.