What is myopia?

Also known as near-sightedness, it’s a condition where objects far away are blurry. This is due to the eyeball being too long from front to back or having too much curvature at the front.

In additional to possibly reducing quality of life if not corrected, patients with moderate or higher amounts of myopia are at greater risks for related eye conditions that can cause permanent blindness. Low amounts of myopia at a young age is a prediction factor for higher myopia as the child continues to mature. Due to the elongation of the eye with myopia, there is a higher risk of retinal tears and detachments. Patients with myopia are also at higher risk for glaucoma, cataracts, choroidal neovascularization, and myopic maculopathy – all which puts the eye at risk.

Common Signs of Myopia

• Squinting when looking far away
• Sitting close to TV or computer screen
• Holding reading material (such as books, phones, etc.) close to eyes
• Headaches and eye straining

How It Works

• A complete eye exam to determine the extent of myopia, including a cycloplegic refraction
• Discussion about the different types of treatment plans and which would work best for your child
• Implementing the treatment plan and having appropriate follow ups to monitor the changes and success
• Adjust treatment plan with annual eye exam until patient graduates from myopia management program

What To Expect

The initial exam will cover baseline information depending on which treatment the patient will be using, including the following tests:

• Visual acuity testing
• Corneal topography
• Evaluation of front curvature of eye
• Cycloplegic refraction
• Contact lens fitting (for those in ortho-keratology or soft contact lens program)
• Patient and parent education

After the initial baseline exam, the program includes the following visits:

• 1 day follow up if doing ortho-keratology
• 1 week follow up
• 3 month follow up
• 6 month follow up

Myopia Management Treatment Options

Ortho-keratology (aka CRT)

Contact lenses that are worn overnight and removed the following morning, it provides a gentle refractive therapy to the eyes. In addition to slowing down or halting the progression of myopia, it has an additional benefit of not needing glasses or contacts during the day.

Mi-Sight 1-day soft contact lens:

Recently FDA approved soft contact lens specifically for the use in myopia management in children. The contact lens are worn during the day and are disposed of daily at bedtime.

Multifocal soft contact lens:

Multifocal contact lens uses a peripheral defocus to slow down the progression of myopia. These are soft contact lenses that are worn during the day and disposed of monthly.

Atropine

Low concentration (0.05%) atropine eye drops instilled daily. An alternative for young patients that cannot use contact lens due to maturity or dexterity issues.