Choosing the Right Myopia Control Option for Your Child

Myopia is the condition that results from the eyeball growing too long from front to back. This extra length puts strain on the retina and other sensitive parts inside the eye. This strain can increase your chances of developing serious eye problems later in life.

These problems include:

·      Retinal detachment

·      Glaucoma

·      Myopic maculopathy

Slowing eye growth early can help protect your child’s vision for years to come. Even a small reduction in the final prescription can make a big difference for long-term eye health.

The Main Options Available

Your eye doctor may talk with you about different treatments for myopia control. Each option works in its own way. The best choice depends on your child’s age, prescription, daily routine, and what your family feels comfortable with.

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are used at bedtime. The amount is very small, much less than what is used for other eye conditions. Studies show this treatment can slow eye growth by about half.

The drops are easy to use, and most children do well with them. Some kids may notice a bit of light sensitivity or have some trouble reading up close, but these effects are usually mild. The drops do not fix blurry vision, so your child will have to continue wearing glasses or contact lenses during the day.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K contact lenses are worn only while sleeping. Overnight, these lenses gently reshape the front of the eye. In the morning, your child takes out the lenses and can see clearly all day without glasses.

Besides correcting vision, Ortho-K also seems to slow the rate at which the eye elongates. These lenses can reduce myopia progression by about 40% to 60%. Taking care of the lenses requires some effort, and good hygiene is important for keeping your child's eyes healthy.

Specialty Soft Contact Lenses

Some soft contact lenses are specially made to help control myopia. They look and feel like regular contacts but have a unique design. One example is the MiSight lens.

These lenses correct vision and also create a focused ring in the outer part of the retina, which tells the eye to slow down its growth. Children as young as eight can often use them with some practice. Like Ortho-K, they need to be cleaned every day and handled carefully.

What About Special Glasses?

There are also new eyeglass lenses designed to help control myopia. Brands like MiYOSMART and Stellest have a clear center for sharp vision, with a ring of tiny lenslets or segments around it to slow down eye growth.

How to Decide Together

The best choice is not the same for everyone. You will want to consider the following:

·      Your child’s age and maturity level

·      The prescription

·      Your family’s routine

·      The better fit for one’s life.

The most important thing is to start early. Myopia tends to get worse fastest in the first few years. Beginning treatment early can help keep your child’s prescription lower and protect their vision over time. You are not alone; talking with your eye doctor is the best way to get started.

To learn more about myopia control for children, visit Massucci Vision Plus. Our office is in Wexford, Pennsylvania. Call (724) 719-2712 to schedule an appointment today.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/misight-orthok-atropine-myopia-nearsighted-child

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4542412/