Myopia Management
Myopia Management at Vision Salon Eye Care Associates
The doctors at Vision Salon Eye Care Associates in Blue Island provide a variety of myopia management treatment options for children and adults. Treatment is customized based on the needs of the individual and provides a number of short- and long-term benefits. Learn more about myopia and our treatment options.
What is myopia?
Myopia, better known as nearsightedness, occurs when patients can see near objects clearly, but have blurred vision when looking at far objects. This condition is caused by the excessive growth and elongation of the eye over time which results in stretching of the neurological tissue of the eye. These changes result in progressive vision loss and prescription changes. Glasses become thicker and heavier with higher levels of myopia. The higher the myopia, the greater the physical elongation of the eye.
- Low myopia -0.50 to -3.00
- Moderate myopia -3.00 to -5.00
- High myopia -5.00 and above
- Extreme myopia is sometimes used to describe myopia in excess of -10.00
Myopia is associated with an increase in vision-threatening eye diseases such as retinal detachments, cataracts, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration later in life.
Myopia is extremely common. Approximately 30% to 40% of adults in the U.S. have it and require some form of corrective treatment. The onset of myopia typically occurs in childhood when the eyes are still developing and growing, however, myopia may progress throughout adolescence and young adulthood, resulting in progressively worse vision.
What are the symptoms of myopia?
- Blurry vision when looking at faraway objects
- The need to squint to see objects clearly
- Eye strain
- Experiencing headaches caused by straining your eyes
Myopia may also affect children in other aspects of their daily life including academic performance, sporting activities, social interactions, independence, and self-esteem.
Why is my child myopic (nearsighted)?
Genetics plays a role in the development of myopia, but it is not the only factor. If both parents are nearsighted, there is nearly a six times greater risk that their kids will be nearsighted too in comparison to a child with no nearsighted parents. Certain environmental and lifestyle factors influence the development of myopia. These factors include prolonged time on near-work activities such as reading and use of digital devices, insufficient time outdoors, and poor lighting.
What is myopia management?
Myopia management is a program that utilizes specific evidence-based treatments to slow down the progression of myopia in children. In the past, it was thought that nothing could be done to reduce myopia progression. However, recent research has demonstrated that there are successful treatment options for slowing myopia progression.
What are the main treatment options for managing myopia?
Each myopia management treatment has varying benefits and levels of efficacy. Our knowledgeable and experienced doctors and staff can help you decide which method is most suitable for your child, depending on their needs, lifestyle, age, and myopia level.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology is an FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment option that corrects myopia to reduce or eliminate the necessity for daytime use of glasses or contacts. Ortho-k lenses are rigid gas permeable lenses that gently reshape the curvature of the eye while you are asleep, so you can see clearly during the day.
Low Dose Atropine Eye Drops
A specially compounded, diluted formula of atropine that is instilled into the eyes each night before bed.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Specialized soft contact lenses that have different powers in the contact lens to correct nearsightedness and attempt to reduce its progression.
MiSight Contact Lens
MiSight is a daily disposable, soft contact lens that not only corrects distance vision, but has the added benefit of being clinically proven and FDA-approved to slow the progression of myopia in children.
Why is myopia management important for my child?
Children who initiate a myopia management program will not only experience corrected vision today, but the progression of myopia during their growing years will be slowed, potentially minimizing the long-term negative impacts of myopia.
The short-term benefits of myopia management are focused on visual correction for daily life and improved visual comfort and experience. Myopia management also offers opportunities for a more active lifestyle—swimming, tennis, contact sports, etc.—as the child undergoing treatment will be free from wearing eyeglasses during the day.
The long-term benefits of myopia management include decreased changes in the shape of the eye, fewer prescription changes over time, and reduced risk of glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and other ocular diseases later in life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn more about myopia management for yourself or your child.
