Myopia Control

We offer Myopia Control Therapy - specialized eye care for children with myopia, so that myopia does not progress at an alarming rate. We use digital imaging, FDA approved contact lenses, and evidence based research to determine customized myopia control therapy for each child. Our patients’ visual needs and wellness are our highest priority, and we speak honestly about eye care and services we recommend.

What is Myopia?

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a refractive error condition where near objects are clear while distant objects are blurry. Myopia is commonly diagnosed in childhood between 8 and 12 years of age and tends to worsen over teen years. In addition to weakening vision, the physical structure of the eye also changes. Myopia causes the eye to grow and stretch longer than it should - it can steepen the front surface of the eye (cornea) and/or stretch the retina, thus increasing the risk of more severe eye diseases in adulthood such as myopic macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, and retinal detachments.

Why do we need to Control Myopia?

Myopia is becoming more widespread among children and more severe due to genetics and modern lifestyles. Myopia in children increases when parents have myopia. Spending more time on digital devices instead of spending time outdoors also increases myopia.

Myopia creates difficulties at school and sports activities (ie dancing, swimming) where distance vision is important. While wearing standard glasses or contact lenses can clear vision, it is temporary as most children with myopia will get worse each year resulting in more distance blur and having to wear thicker lenses. The younger a child is diagnosed with myopia, the more likely this child will have more visual problems in the future. Leaving myopia unmanaged may lead to more severe eye health complications in adulthood.

Together, we can manage myopia

Myopia Control Therapy works to slow down the progression or worsening of myopia in children. We can help correct distance vision immediately and also slow myopia progression during childhood and teen years.

Treatment Options

Treat Myopia Early

It is best to start Myopia Control Therapy when children are first developing myopia. A yearly eye exam starting at 5 years old is recommended to check for myopia and other visual impairments. Children with a refractive error less than or equal to +0.75DS at age 6 or younger will be monitored closely for large changes in prescription. Myopia Control Therapy for children aims to slow the progression of a child’s myopia, and minimizes the long-term impacts of myopia.

How Can Treatment Help?

Myopia management today includes multiple treatment options to accommodate each child’s needs and lifestyle. Short-term benefits include clear and comfortable vision without the need for standard glasses. Long-term benefits include slowing the rate of myopia progression by influencing eyeball development and elongation. Treatment options for myopia include Orthokeratology (aka Corneal Refractive Therapy), Custom Multifocal Soft Contacts, and Atropine Eye Drops.

Myopia Explained

Where Does Myopia Come From?

Why Is Myopia Control So Important?

Are Myopia Control Treatments Safe?

Our doctors have over 10 years of experience in Myopia Control and are trained to provide the best care to our patients. There is a small risk with any contact lens wear, typically a minor infection easily addressed by antibiotic drops. The risk is greatly minimized with careful cleaning and disinfecting the lenses, by wearing the lenses as prescribed, and by maintaining the necessary follow-up visits every few months.

What Can I Do To Help My Child?

1. Keep devices at a distance and take frequent breaks.

2. Help kids develop healthy digital device habits.

3. Encourage children to spend time outdoors safely.

4. Take your child for an annual eye exam.

​​​​​​​Myopia Control Therapy is a comprehensive approach to eye health from childhood through adulthood. Early detection and management of a child’s vision can prevent vision impairment, improve behavior and academic performance in school. By having more control over how the length of the eye changes, we can help keep prescription strength more steady, and reduce future risks of eye health complications later in life. Managing myopia starts with yearly comprehensive eye exams.

Additional Information

This infographic explains about myopia in more detail

MyMyopia-Infographic_Parents

For Chinese version, use this link

MyMyopia-Infographic_Chinese