What is Myopia?
Myopia is the medical term for nearsighted. A “near-sighted” eye can see up close, but needs glasses to see clearly far away. This happens because the eye continues to grow. Unfortunately, the delicate tissue in the back of the eye does not continue to grow and becomes stretched and unhealthy.
Rates of myopia are increasing!
More people have myopia and they have higher prescriptions than ever before. This trend will increase in the coming years.
Risk Factors include:
- Ethnicity
- Parent’s glasses prescription
- Onset before age 9
- Limited outdoor time
- Excessive near work
These last two are the only two factors we can change which is why we encourage everyone to set down their phones/ laptops and go outside!
Why treat?
Myopia is a disease that endangers vision. The risk for side effects increases as the glasses prescription increases. These problems could cause blindness later in life. There is NO safe amount of myopia! Also, life is easier without glasses. People with high prescriptions are completely reliant on glasses or contacts to see.
Myopia control
“Myopia control" is the term used to describe specific treatments to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children.
There are four primary categories of myopia control treatments: atropine eye drops, multifocal contact lenses, multifocal eyeglasses and orthokeratology (ortho-k).
Myopia control is important because it may help reduce the risk of vision-threatening complications associated with high myopia later in life — including glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment and even blindness.
Treatment Options at AVDC
Bifocal Glasses
These glasses are designed to reduce strain and growing signals that come from doing lots of work up close. They are the least likely to cause complications but may not be effective enough on their own.
Eye Drops
Low dose atropine blocks the signal that leads the eye to grow too long. Studies show a significant slowdown of myopia with low side-effects. Your child will still need to wear glasses to see.
Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses
These specially designed soft contact lenses send a "stop signal" for further growth. In addition, they may reduce eye strain when reading. The complication rate is no higher than normal soft contact lens wear.
WHAT WE DON’T DO:
Do Nothing
Left untreated and unmonitored the signal to grow remains, leaving your child at risk for blinding complications later in life.