Myopia Management

Myopia is a very common issue throughout the world. Approximately 1/3 of the population in the United States have the condition and over 90% of several East Asian countries suffer from myopia. While myopia may seem like such a common condition that it shouldn’t be cause for concern, it is actually associated with several very serious conditions that can threaten one’s ability to see.

What is Myopia

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a condition where individuals are able to see objects that are close to them but may have difficulty distinguishing things at a distance, such as road signs or leaves on a tree. These individuals often squint at objects that are further away to try and help bring them into focus.

Currently, there is no known cure for myopia and recent studies suggest that the more advanced your myopia gets, the more serious the effects can be on your vision. This has led eye professionals to look for ways to slow the progression of myopia in children and young adults.

Types of Myopia Control

There are a few different treatments for myopia that have proven to be effective in a number of studies. Of course, to ensure you find the most effective choice for you, be sure to visit with your eye doctor so they can review your case and recommend the best options for you.

Low-dose Atropine - Atropine is a medication originally used to dilate pupils and treat certain eye conditions. In very low concentrations, it can help slow the elongation of the eye, which is the structural change that causes myopia to worsen. One of the thoughts about the progression of myopia is that it is associated with eye strain. This medication helps relax the focusing system of the eye, which can help prevent progression. This medication is very effective for children and myopia control.
 
Contact Lenses - Cutlerville Eyecare utilizes MiSight contact lenses, a daily disposable contact lens, to help slow the progression of myopia. MiSight contact lenses are FDA-approved for myopia control. Its dual focus design allows your child to see clearly and also signals the eye to slow down its growth by preventing the eye from over-focusing.

Ortho-K - Ortho-K or Orthokeratology is one practice being used to slow down the progression of myopia. Ortho-K utilizes a special rigid gas-permeable contact lens that is placed into the eyes just before you go to bed. This hard lens helps to gently hold your eye in the proper shape throughout the night. Then, when you wake up in the morning and remove the lenses, your eye continues to maintain that shape. This means that people who are nearsighted can see clearly throughout the day, even without wearing contact lenses or glasses. This approach is often preferred for athletes or other active individuals. Cutlerville Eyecare does not currently provide Orthokeratology services, but does have recommendations for other offices in the area if this is the desired route of care.

Overview

If you notice that your child is having a difficult time seeing objects that are far away, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Many parents notice changes in their children with their behavior or grades at school, their ability to play sports, or that they may even be pulling back from playing with friends. Treating myopia as quickly as possible can help to reduce your child’s chances of developing a serious eye condition that can threaten their ability to see the world around them. Call today and schedule an appointment to see how we can help your child.