Myopia Management

Myopia management can begin as early as age 4 or 5 when your child is first diagnosed with nearsightedness. Early intervention is crucial to slow progression and reduce the risk of severe eye conditions later in life. An eye exam will determine the right time to start treatment.

Myopia management does not cure nearsightedness, but it can slows its progression. Treatments like Orthokeratology and MiSight contact lenses help reduce worsening myopia but cannot reverse it. The goal is to protect your child’s vision from deteriorating further and reduce the risk of future eye conditions such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, and early cataracts. Monitoring children regularly can ensure that treatments are being effective.

As your child’s myopia worsens, their risk of developing severe, vision-threatening eye diseases increases dramatically. The likelihood of experiencing vision loss from conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or retinal disease can rise by as much as over 100x! Early intervention is crucial to protecting your child’s vision in the long term.

Developing myopia before age 12 significantly increases the risk of severe myopia.

Children are more likely to develop myopia if they spend excessive time on close-up tasks, such as reading or using digital devices, and spend limited time outdoors. Spending too much time on digital screens and reading books can strain the eyes, increasing the risk of nearsightedness.

A family history of myopia also increases their risk. Myopic parents (one or both) increase the child’s risk of nearsightedness. Regular eye exams help monitor and manage these factors effectively.

Yes, myopia management treatments like MiSight contact lenses are safe for children when prescribed by an eye care professional. These lenses are clinically tested for safety and effectiveness. We provide detailed instructions on lens care, ensure proper use, and offer regular follow-up visits to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Orthokeratology lenses are a highly effective method for controlling myopia. These rigid gas-permeable lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision throughout the day without needing glasses or contacts.

Outdoor Activities: Spend 90 minutes or more each day outdoors in sunlight

Reduce Digital Screen Time:

• Screen time is not recommended for toddlers (6-24 months).
• For preschoolers (3-5 yrs), screen time should be no more than 1 hour.
• In elementary school (6-10 yrs), screen time should be no more than 2 hours.
• In Middle School (11-13 yrs), screen time should be no more than 4 hours. This includes schoolwork!
• Hold reading material at least 13-16 inches away from the eyes.
• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
• The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 9-12 hrs/day of sleep for children aged 6-12 years old (8-10 hrs/day for 13-18 year old).

Atropine drops are a proven pharmaceutical solution used for over 150 years to slow the progression of pediatric myopia. When administered in extremely low doses, atropine can reduce myopia progression by up to 50%, with minimal side effects. However, this treatment may be less effective if not properly managed due to potential stinging and the risk of incomplete application. Despite these challenges, it remains a valuable option for myopia control under professional supervision. Other options, such as bifocal or progressive lenses, exist as possible management options, but the chances of success are less than 25%, which is unacceptable for our office standards!