Myopia Management

Myopia (also known as near-sightedness) is when close-up objects look clear but distant objects are blurry. Myopia is a common problem among children due to excessive near work (more school-work and digital device use), decreased outdoor time, and genetics. Myopia can decrease the quality of life of children by decreasing school performance and self-confidence1-2. Some studies cite a higher prevalence of mental health problems in children with myopia2.

At young ages, myopia can advance quickly – yielding decreased functional vision when without vision correction and requiring reliance on glasses or contact lenses to function. Myopia management can help to decrease these progressive & concerning vision changes to allow your child to reach their full potential.

One common question from parents of myopic patients is “Why have I not heard about myopia management treatment until now?”  The short answer to this question is myopia is becoming increasingly more common in children, as compared to previous generations.  One reason for this is the increased amount of “screen” time, but there are other contributing factors as well.

Genetics are a key risk factor for myopia, with the condition being particularly prevalent among Asians. Just over 45 years ago, around 25% of Americans aged 12 to 54 were affected by myopia. However, a 2009 study revealed a significant increase, with about 42% of this demographic experiencing nearsightedness, nearly doubling the prevalence in three decades. Looking ahead, researchers estimate that by 2050, around 5 billion people globally will have myopia, which would constitute approximately half of the world’s population. If myopia were a fatal disease, it would be termed an epidemic, highlighting the dramatic rise in its occurrence.

The good news is over the past 10 or so years there has been a dramatic increase in the research on myopia.  Over the past few years, there have been new FDA-approved myopia treatment options that have become available, and there have been dramatic improvements in the success of myopia management treatment options.

In summary, if you haven’t heard much about myopia, you’re not alone.   If you are considering myopia management treatment options for your child, we are available for a free phone consultation and can be reached at (919) 850 5910 or hello@raleighcontactlens.com.

There are three main options to help slow the worsening of a child’s vision, including:

• MiSight daily – daily disposable myopia control contact lenses (more info here) 
• Orthokeratology – (also known as ortho-k, orthok, or OK) contact lenses (more info here)
• Atropine – which is an eye drop that is taken nightly.

There are many considerations to determine which option best suits your child, such as the child’s prescription, maturity, motivation, outdoor time, various types of sport involvement, and after/in-school activities.  Often, atropine may be prescribed in conjunction with specialized myopia management contact lenses to further slow myopia progression.  During a myopia management consultation, our doctors will work with the parent(s) and child to determine the best myopia treatment option.

There are so many great options we have for myopia management. Using the three main myopia management options of orthokeratology, MiSight (FDA approved daily lenses), and atropine, nearly all prescriptions can be treated. The doctor will meet with you and your child to determine what option fits best with your child’s lifestyle – including hobbies, school performance, and future goals.

• This is a normal concern for most parents. According to multiple studies, children are safer contact lens wearers than their adult and teenager counterparts_5,6,7.
• Starting myopia management at a younger age provides greater long-term benefits for the child.
• Myopia progresses aggressively from ages 6-9, so starting early is key to preventing large prescription changes from occurring, ultimately keeping myopia as low as possible.
• Contact lens wear has also been found to improve children’s self-esteem_4.
• The doctor will schedule multiple follow ups to ensure optimal ocular health and continual guidance on how to care for and handle the contact lens.

During the initial examination, the doctor will perform the following:

• Refraction – To assess the most up-to-date prescription
• Ocular Health Exam – To evaluate ocular health and candidacy for various myopia management treatment options. The front and inside of the eye will be examined thoroughly.
• Topography – To evaluate the unique shape of the cornea and determine the best fit for a contact lens solution.
• Binocular Vision Assessment – To assure that both eyes are working in synchrony.
• Meibography – All contact lens wearers will have their meibomian glands evaluated (important glands to help keep contact lenses hydrated and comfortable), as well as basic tests to assess for dry eye syndrome.

For new contact lens wearers, there will be a contact lens application and removal class. This class will also include instruction on how to properly care for contact lenses and overall hygiene during contact lens wear. The lessons do not end here. Children are constantly quizzed on their skills and learnings.

There will be an additional 1 week follow up to assist with potential difficulties with contact lens wear, as well as an additional ocular health examination to assure great eye and contact lens compatibility.