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Myopia Management

What is Myopia?

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.

Why Myopia Matters – Implications of Myopia

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.

Why Myopia Matters – Risks

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.

What Causes Myopia?

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

Who is at Risk?

Your child may be at increased risk of developing myopia if they:
  • 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


Myopia Control Options: Safe & Effective Treatments

We offer evidence-based, safe treatments designed to slow down eye elongation and myopia progression:

1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

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.

2. MiSight® Daily Disposable Soft Contact Lenses

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

3. Atropine Eye Drops (Low-Dose)

  • 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.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Myopia Control

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

Why Choose Our Clinic for Myopia Control?

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.

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