Today, Myopia presents itself at an earlier age in more children than in the past. Studies have shown that part of the increase in nearsightedness is because more people are doing work up close; this isn’t just a computer and increased screen time, though–reading for long periods can also impact your eyes. There are four options your eye doctor may use for myopia control in children.
Low Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Myopia occurs when your eye is too long, or your cornea is too curved. The light that enters your eye has a harder time focusing the way it should, and this results in blurred vision. When you use low dose atropine eye drops, you’re causing a temporary mild dilation effect of the pupils, which relaxes your eyes’ focusing ability and slows down the progression of myopia. The recommended dosage is 0.05%. At this dosage, side effects typically are not noticeable.
Multifocal Contacts
The primary use of multifocal contacts is to help achieve clear vision at all distances. According to studies, children who wore multifocal contacts had a 50% reduction in the advancement of Myopia compared to children who stuck with traditional soft contacts.
Multifocal Eyeglasses
Like multifocal contacts, multifocal eyeglasses intend to help you gain a clearer vision regardless of the distance. These glasses have two parts, one being the top, which allows you to see objects far away. The second part is on the bottom of your lenses and assists when you read. These glasses slow the progression of Myopia.
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology is a treatment that uses a gas-permeable contact lens to reshape the corneal surface on your eye temporarily. A patient wears these lenses overnight, reshaping the front surface of the eye so vision is clear upon waking up. This treatment is temporary, and the effects of the overnight treatment will usually last throughout the day.
Do you want to take the next steps in ensuring your child has full potential regarding his/her vision? Contact our office today to ask our staff any questions you have about your child’s next appointment.
MiSight 1 Day Contact Lenses
The Brilliant Futures Myopia Management Program with MiSight 1 day contact lenses are the first and only FDA approved soft contact lenses proven to slow myopia progression in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment. MiSight is a safe and very effective treatment option for myopic children of all ages.
Understanding Myopia Myopia Management Program
Myopia Control Change Agent
Dr. Austin Mason is proud to represent Florida as a Myopia Collective Change Agent. Organized by AOA and CooperVision®, the Myopia Collective is an innovative approach aimed at redefining the standard of care for children with myopia. Together, we’re working to help ensure that children receive proper treatment that corrects their vision and slows myopia progression. Dr. Mason is excited to be part of this movement to set a new standard in myopia care.
Join The Myopia Collective Movement
