Myopia Management

What is Myopia?

• Also known as nearsightedness, myopia occurs when the eye is longer and the light doesn't focus properly on the retina (back of the eye).

• The most common symptom is blurriness in the distance.

• Myopia is becoming more widespread and severe than ever. Today over 40% of Americans have myopia and by the 2050s, is it projected that 58% of Americans will have myopia. 

• Get the facts: Myopia Fact Sheet

 

Why does this matter?

• Myopia can progress over time, potentially leading to more severe ocular health conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma and cataracts.

• It also increases dependence on glasses and contacts, may limit refractive surgical options such as LASIK, and may affect a child's future profession choices. 

• As the prescription increases, the length of the eye increases. This process of axial elongation can lead to the ocular health issues noted above. At Claremont Optometry, we are able to use the highly specialized Myopia Master device to measure the length of the eye and monitor treatment. 

 

Genetics & Lifestyle Factors

• Myopia in children increase when parents have myopia. 

  • If neither parent is myopic, the child has a 1 in 4 chance of having myopia.​

  • If 1 parent is myopic, the child has a 1 in 3 chance of having myopia.

  • If both parents are myopia, the child has a 1 in 2 chance of having myopia.

• Research shows that modern lifestyles may influence the development of myopia.

  • Insufficient time spent outdoors.

  • Prolonged time spent reading and playing or working with digital devices.

  • Poor lighting levels.

 

Treatment Options

• Although a child's prescription may be increasing, there is good news! There are various treatment options available to limit increases in nearsightedness for children.

  • Brilliant Futures Myopia Management Program with MiSight 1-day contact lenses (Coopervision) - the only FDA approved therapeutic contact lens specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. Our optometrists at Claremont Optometry are certified to prescribe this treatment. The 7 year research data has shown that the treatment is safe and effective in slowing myopia over time with no rebound effect once the treatment is stopped. Since younger kids progress faster than older kids, its best to start the treatment at the earliest age possible to get the maximum cumulative effect over time. 

  • Stellest Myopia Glasses by Essilor - These highly specialized lenses combine a vision correction zone with H.A.L.T. technology to create myopic defocus in front of the retina. This acts as a signal to slow down eye elongation. A correctly fitting pair of glasses is key for treatment effectiveness, and the glasses must be worn full time. The Stellest lenses correct myopia and astigmatism, and come in polycarbonate material with anti-reflective coating and 100% UV protection.

  • Low Dose Atropine drops - prescription drops used nightly before bed to slow the progression of myopia. Ocular side effects may include mild ocular irritation upon instillation of drops, near blur, and dilated pupils.  Typically, bifocal glasses and photochromic lenses (lenses that turn dark outside when exposed to direct sunlight) are recommended to provide comfort and protect the child's eyes. 

• Regardless of treatment of choice, biometry readings using the Myopia Master will be taken at baseline before treatment, and every 6 months thereafter to monitor the rate of change of the length of the eye. One of the main goals of myopia management is to slow this axial elongation, the length of the eye from front to back. As the eye elongates, there is a higher risk of visual impairment and ocular health issues later in life.

• Ask us which option is right for your child today!

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