Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition in which distant objects appear blurry while close objects are seen clearly. It occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
The prevalence of myopia is dramatically increasing worldwide. In the United States, the percentage of myopic individuals increased as measured in 1972 and in 2002 from 25% of the population to 46%! That increase was even more dramatic in other parts of the world.
Myopia has traditionally been considered a simple matter of vision correction with glasses, contact lenses, and more recently laser vision correction. The term “vision correction” is actually a misnomer. We are not correcting vision with these methods, we are “compensating” by various means. The actual axial elongation of myopia is not addressed in any of these methods. Myopia and its associated axial elongation is not a benign condition by any means. There are serious eye-health complications associated with myopia, especially higher degrees of myopia. Beyond the obvious vision issues associated with myopia, individuals with myopia have a higher risk of developing:
Retinal detachment
Glaucoma
Myopic macular degeneration
Cataracts
The risk of myopia-associated vision loss is most commonly found with higher degrees of myopia (especially above -6 Diopters). The earlier myopia begins, the more likely it is to progress to high myopia, increasing these risks.
Myopia is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors:
Common Contributing Factors:
Family history of myopia (parental myopia)
Prolonged near work (reading, screen time)
Lack of outdoor time and natural light exposure
Have one or both parents with myopia
Spend more than 2–3 hours daily on near activities
Spend less than 1–2 hours outdoors each day
Are between ages 6–14 (common age of onset)
Show rapid vision changes over a short period
We offer evidence-based, safe treatments designed to slow down eye elongation and myopia progression:
Custom-designed contact lenses (FDA-approved material) are worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. Proven to slow eye growth. Benefits:
No daytime lens wear
Parents can oversee the entire process of handling and wearing at home
Less ocular dryness and discomfort symptoms
Risk of infection: 7.7/10,000. This is 2 times lower than the risk associated with moderate to high myopia.
FDA-approved soft lenses worn during the day that slow myopia progression while correcting vision. Benefits:
Child-friendly and safe
Daily disposable for hygiene
Backed by strong clinical research
Risk of infection: 1.2/10,000
A safe, low-concentration medicated drop is applied nightly. Benefits:
Effective in reducing eye growth
Easy to administer
The patient would need to wear glasses during the day
Minimal side effects
Risks and safety
Potential side effects of increased sensitivity to light due to larger pupil size, which is typically resolved with sunglasses.
Problems with close-up focusing, which is typically resolved with glasses for reading. One study found this only occurred in 1-2% of children.
Eye irritation or mild allergy, which can occur in 2-7%, depending on the formulation of the atropine.
Encourage Healthy Habits:
Outdoor Time: Aim for at least 2 hours of outdoor play each day
Frequent break: Every 20-30 minutes of near work, go outside for 5-15 minutes
Limit Screen Time: Reduce unnecessary screen exposure
Proper Lighting: Ensure good lighting when reading or doing homework
Ergonomics: Keep reading materials at least 30–40 cm from the eyes
At our clinic, we go beyond basic eye exams. Here's what sets us apart:
Specialized Expertise
Our doctors have undergone extensive, advanced training in myopia management, ensuring your child receives expert care.
Cutting-Edge Technology
We utilize the latest diagnostic tools, including axial length measurement and eye mapping, to monitor subtle changes in your child’s eye growth—before it even affects their vision.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Each child is unique. We tailor treatments based on lifestyle, age, risk factors, and how fast the myopia is progressing.
Ongoing Monitoring & Support
We offer regular follow-ups and detailed progress tracking to adjust treatment when necessary, giving you peace of mind every step of the way.