Myopia Control Clinic
Why Myopia Control Matters
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is more than just a need for corrective lenses—it’s a condition with long-term implications for eye health and quality of life. It’s important to address myopia during a child’s developmental years in order to preserve both vision and overall eye health.
- Irreversible Eye Changes: Myopia is caused by the elongation of the eyeball, a structural change that cannot be reversed. This elongation increases the risk of serious eye conditions, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma, later in life.
- Reduced Social Confidence: Poor vision can affect a child’s ability to engage in social activities, lowering their confidence and impacting their ability to build connections with peers.
- Impact on Learning: Nearsightedness can hinder academic performance, as children may struggle to see the whiteboard or read materials at a distance. This can lead to difficulties in learning and achieving their potential.
Myopia Causes and Symptoms
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is influenced by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Children with one or both parents who are myopic have a significantly higher risk of developing the condition. Ethnicity may also play a role, with higher prevalence rates observed in East Asian populations.
Environmental factors are increasingly contributing to the rise in myopia cases. Spending excessive time on near-focus tasks, such as reading, using digital screens, or studying, places strain on the eyes.
Insufficient time outdoors in natural sunlight, which is known to protect against myopia progression, exacerbates the issue. Eye care professionals recommend at least two hours of outdoor play each day during developmental years.
Common symptoms of myopia include squinting to see distant objects, and needing to move closer to the whiteboard or television. Children with myopia may experience eye fatigue or headaches after prolonged distance viewing. Recognizing these signs early can be a signal for intervention, but there is no substitute for professional eye exams at an early age.
At Our Myopia Control Clinics
Myopia Control Glasses
Lenses such as those offered by Hoya, Stellest and Zeiss utilize innovative lens designs to slow the progression of myopia. These lenses work on the principle of peripheral defocus, redirecting light in a way that reduces the stimulus for eye elongation – the root cause of myopia. Unlike regular glasses that only correct vision, these lenses have the additional property of actively manage myopia progression.
Frames designed specifically for children are available at our practice, ensuring a comfortable fit, durability, and child-friendly styles. These glasses are the ideal choice for growing kids needing dependable eye care.
Myopia “Defocus” Soft Contacts
Soft contact lenses, like MiSight daily disposables, offer an effective and convenient solution for managing myopia in children. These lenses use innovative defocus technology to slow the progression of myopia while also correcting vision.
Daily disposable lenses are especially convenient—children start each day with a fresh, sterile pair, eliminating the need for cleaning or storage. This simplicity promotes consistent use and ensures hygienic eye care.
For active children, being glasses-free is a major advantage. Whether playing sports or engaging in outdoor activities, these lenses provide clear vision without the hassle or limitations of traditional eyewear.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K contact lenses are a highly effective solution for slowing myopia progression in children. Worn only overnight, these lenses gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts. This routine allows parents to supervise their child’s lens care, ensuring proper use and hygiene.
For active children, Ortho-K offers the ultimate freedom—no glasses or contact lenses during the day. This is particularly beneficial for kids who swim frequently, as wearing regular contacts in water is discouraged due to the risk of serious infections. Ortho-K empowers children with clear, hassle-free vision.
Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine eye drops are an effective option for managing the progression of myopia in children. These low-dose drops are applied daily, typically before bedtime, and are well-suited for children who may not yet be ready to use glasses or contact lenses.
Only optometrists who are therapeutically endorsed, such as those at Beyond Eyecare, can prescribe atropine eye drops. This ensures the treatment is tailored to each child’s unique needs and monitored closely for safety and effectiveness.
Atropine slows the elongation of the eyeball, helping to protect long-term eye health. It’s a convenient, non-invasive solution backed by years of clinical success.
