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What Is Myopia
Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common vision condition in which you can see objects near to you clearly, but far-away objects are blurry. It occurs when your eye bends light rays incorrectly, causing images to focus in front of your retina, instead of on your retina.
THE MYOPIA PANDEMIC
Uncorrected Myopia is the leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, affecting an estimated 1.89 billion of the global population.
The World Health Organization has reported that the myopic population is expected to increase to 4.76 billion people by 2050 (over 50% of the world population).
Book an appointment with us now to get started on managing you or your child's Myopia as soon as possible!
MYOPIA MANAGEMENT
Myopia management uses different treatment options to reduce the rate that your child’s nearsightedness (Myopia) grows.
Why?
Myopia is associated with an increased risk of developing retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataract, optic neuropathy, myopic macular degeneration (8). If your child's prescription can be reduced, this can significantly reduce their risk. For example, a -1.00 D reduction in myopia means 40% reduced risk of myopic maculopathy and 20% reduced risk of visual impairment (9,4).
When?
Research shows that age is the most important factor related to progression - the younger the child, the faster the progression of myopia (7). The majority of children with myopia will progress, which suggests that all children should be offered the option of myopia management (4).
-1.00 D Reduction
in Myopia means:
Reduced risk of
Myopic Maculopathy
Reduced risk of
Visual Impairment
40
%
20
%
&
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Uniquely designed gas-permeable contact lens
-
Worn nightly while sleeping & removed in the morning.
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Temporarily molds the shape of the cornea to alter its refractive properties
-
Effective at reducing the progression of myopia.
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Instilled nightly in both eyes. Glasses are worn during the day.
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Special glasses designed to reduce Myopia progression
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Miyokids & Myosmart are two brands designed for Myopia Management
WHAT CAN WE DO
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Peripheral Defocus Glasses
In general, there are 3 ways to control myopia from getting worse.
Low-dose atropine eye drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops administered nightly over the course of 2-3 years have been found to be effective in controlling the progression of myopia in children aged 5-18. The exact mechanism behind how this works is not yet well understood; however it is believed that atropine may decrease axial elongation by relaxing the ciliary muscles which control accommodation. While side effects such as redness or itchiness around the eye area may occur with this treatment, they are generally minor compared to its benefit of improving vision.
Peripheral defocus glasses or multifocal contact lenses
Peripheral defocus glasses or multifocal contact lenses are a type of eyewear specifically designed for children and young adults to slow down the progression of myopia, or nearsightedness. They work by altering the peripheral vision, so that it experiences a different kind of blur than what is experienced in the center field of view. This difference in focal point stimulates the eye to decrease its level of growth, which is often a contributory factor to myopia progression.
These corrective lenses can be worn by kids as young as six and they are normally advised to be worn during waking hours. Additionally, they can be used together with other treatments such as orthokeratology or atropine eye drops. It should be noted that these lenses aren’t intended to cure myopia nor do they improve visual acuity; rather, they are just one component among several options available for managing myopia in young people.
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology (or ‘ortho-K’) provides a solution for myopia by temporarily reshaping the cornea while you sleep - so when you wake up, your sight is sharper and ready to take on the day! Wearing Ortho-K lenses only improves vision for a short time. Once you stop wearing the lenses, the cornea slowly goes back to its normal shape and myopia comes back. However, many studies have shown that Ortho-K lenses slow eye growth, and Ortho-K may also provide some permanent reduction in myopia progression.
Choosing the right treatment
Getting the right vision treatment for your child is essential, and fortunately there are various options available to cater for a range of needs. Your optometrist will be able to advise you on the best course of action, all tailored depending upon prescription level and eye sensitivity key factors such as hygiene and lifestyle choice. Doctors may even combine treatment methods if needed; enabling them to create an ideal solution in pursuit of optimum results.
Red House Vision Centre is a full-service optometry clinic and optical store located in Oshawa serving the Durham region of Ontario. Our Optometrist Dr. Yang is passionate about myopia control and looks forward to answering your questions. Give us a call - we'd be happy to help out!
Book now to find out which Myopia Management options are right for your child.