Myopia Control for Nearsightedness
Myopia management for nearsightedness in children is now considered the standard of care to reduce the risk of eye diseases later in life. Annual eye exams are essential to the early detection of progressing nearsightedness because the consequences of high myopia are more than just thick glasses.
What causes Myopia?
With our children spending more time in front of screens and less time outdoors, myopia is fast becoming an epidemic. Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the eyeball grows too long and the image no longer focuses properly on the retina. The higher the myopia, the more stretching of delicate tissues inside the eye, increasing the risk of sight threatening diseases.
Those with myopia have a higher risk of blindness or vision impairment due to retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration (MMD) and glaucoma. In addition to increased screen time, there are a number of other risk factors associated with the progression of myopia.
What causes Myopia?
With our children spending more time in front of screens and less time outdoors, myopia is fast becoming an epidemic. Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the eyeball grows too long and the image no longer focuses properly on the retina. The higher the myopia, the more stretching of delicate tissues inside the eye, increasing the risk of sight threatening diseases.
Those with myopia have a higher risk of blindness or vision impairment due to retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration (MMD) and glaucoma. In addition to increased screen time, there are a number of other risk factors associated with the progression of myopia.
Symptoms & Signs of Myopia in Kids
Myopia symptoms in kids include:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty seeing the whiteboard
- Sitting very close to the tv or computer screen
- Struggling in activities requiring hand-eye coordination
Symptoms & Signs of Myopia in Kids
Myopia symptoms in kids include:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty seeing the whiteboard
- Sitting very close to the tv or computer screen
- Struggling in activities requiring hand-eye coordination
Myopia Risk Calculator
Click the icon for a quick 6 question survey to assess your child’s risk of myopic progression (external link). You can bring the results to your child's exam and we would be happy to go over them with you.
How to treat nearsightedness in children
Early detection of myopia is important to best treat nearsightedness in children. Annual eye exams allow us to monitor for the progression of nearsightedness and treat it early. At Mission Eye Care, we are proud to be the only clinic in Alberta with 3 optometrists residency trained in myopia control using specialty contact lenses. Our Myopia Control Program utilizes the expertise of our doctors and the latest technology to accurately monitor progression, design a treatment plan and modify treatment based on the latest evidence.
There are four main options for myopia control. A combination of these options may be prescribed depending on the rate of myopic progression as well as the unique lifestyle and visual requirements of each individual patient:
Soft & Hybrid Multifocal Contact Lenses
Specially designed soft contact lenses that are worn during the day and removed at bedtime. These lenses have been proven in long term studies to slow down eye elongation (and therefore myopia) through a method known as peripheral defocus.
These lenses are available in daily disposables for those without astigmatism, and also monthly disposable and hybrid designs for those with more complex prescriptions.
Soft & Hybrid Multifocal Contact Lenses
Specially designed soft contact lenses that are worn during the day and removed at bedtime. These lenses have been proven in long term studies to slow down eye elongation (and therefore myopia) through a method known as peripheral defocus.
These lenses are available in daily disposables for those without astigmatism, and also monthly disposable and hybrid designs for those with more complex prescriptions.
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology treatment involves the overnight wear of customized rigid contact lenses that gently reshape the surface of the eye while sleeping.
This allows freedom from contact lenses and glasses during the day and is ideal for active kids who may otherwise be limited by eyeglasses during sports and other activities. It has also been shown in many studies to be one of the most effective methods to slow the progression of myopia.
These lenses can last up to 2 years and have a proven safety record when used under doctor supervised care along with good hygiene practices.
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology treatment involves the overnight wear of customized rigid contact lenses that gently reshape the surface of the eye while sleeping.
This allows freedom from contact lenses and glasses during the day and is ideal for active kids who may otherwise be limited by eyeglasses during sports and other activities. It has also been shown in many studies to be one of the most effective methods to slow the progression of myopia.
These lenses can last up to 2 years and have a proven safety record when used under doctor supervised care along with good hygiene practices.
Atropine Eye Drops
This treatment is often prescribed for children who are either too young or unable to wear contact lenses. However, it is most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments to further reduce myopia progression. Recent studies show that 0.01 to 0.05% atropine decreases progression of myopia by 50-87%. It appears to act by thickening the layer of the eye just under the retina called the choroid. This may increase the structural integrity of the eye and thereby reduce its elongation.
These drops are made at compounding pharmacies and generally dispensed in supplies of 1 to 3 months. Some children will have light sensitivity or difficulty focusing at near, in which case the concentration is adjusted to reduce or eliminate these effects.
Atropine Eye Drops
This treatment is often prescribed for children who are either too young or unable to wear contact lenses. However, it is most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments to further reduce myopia progression. Recent studies show that 0.01 to 0.05% atropine decreases progression of myopia by 50-87%. It appears to act by thickening the layer of the eye just under the retina called the choroid. This may increase the structural integrity of the eye and thereby reduce its elongation.
These drops are made at compounding pharmacies and generally dispensed in supplies of 1 to 3 months. Some children will have light sensitivity or difficulty focusing at near, in which case the concentration is adjusted to reduce or eliminate these effects.
Myopia Control Eyeglass Lenses
There are many new custom spectacle lens designs on the market designed to slow the progression of myopia. Some designs use tiny dots embedded in the lens, while others use concentric rings to create the defocus needed. Research shows they can reduce myopia progression by as much as 60% when the appropriate lens design is chosen.
Proper fitting of the frames and lenses is critical to success, as the lenses must be properly centered for optimal effect. At Mission Eye Care, our opticians have a wealth of skill and expertise with these designs and can ensure proper fit and monitoring in conjunction with your eye doctor. We also offer no charge replacement within a year if the lenses get damaged or the prescription changes!
Myopia Control Eyeglass Lenses
There are many new custom spectacle lens designs on the market designed to slow the progression of myopia. Some designs use tiny dots embedded in the lens, while others use concentric rings to create the defocus needed. Research shows they can reduce myopia progression by as much as 60% when the appropriate lens design is chosen.
Proper fitting of the frames and lenses is critical to success, as the lenses must be properly centered for optimal effect. At Mission Eye Care, our opticians have a wealth of skill and expertise with these designs and can ensure proper fit and monitoring in conjunction with your eye doctor. We also offer no charge replacement within a year if the lenses get damaged or the prescription changes!
Natural treatments for myopia
Spending at least 1-2 hours per day outside has been correlated with later onset and reduced progression of myopia. However, if there is ANY amount of myopia prior to age 11, additional clinical myopia control strategies are strongly advised.
The Myopia Control Academy – only at Mission Eye Care
The Myopia Control Academy in Calgary is only at Mission Eye Care! We will enroll your child in this structured program to best ensure their success. This includes regular office visits and measurements using specialized instruments to monitor your child’s myopia.
Your Optometrist will make recommendations depending on the baseline date obtained, genetic and lifestyle risk factors, and the goals of treatment.
You will also get an annual report card with graphs showing the results of treatment relative to what they would have been without treatment. We want you to be as pleased with the outcomes as we are!
