Myopia - Brenart Eye Clinic

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HELPING OUR COMMUNITY MAINTAIN HEALTHY LEVELS OF VISION

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition in which an individual can see near objects clearly, but objects farther away seem blurry. Myopia is typically managed with glasses or daytime contact lens wear. At Brenart Eye Clinic, we offer treatments for children and young adults to slow down the progression of nearsightedness. These treatments include Atropine drops, specialty soft contact lenses, multifocal glasses, and Orthokeratology.

To learn more, watch the video below and then call to schedule an appointment with a doctor from our Myopia Control team.

KIDS SHOULD GROW STRONGER. THEIR NEARSIGHTEDNESS SHOULDN’T.

Whether or not your child complains of not being able to see objects in the distance clearly – such as the board at the front of their classroom – they should have annual comprehensive eye exams to check for myopia and other eye conditions that may not have signs or symptoms.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when light entering the eye does not focus directly on the retina, causing distant objects to appear blurry. This refractive error is typically corrected with glasses and/or contact lenses. In children, monitoring the progression of myopia is imperative. Especially when they show potential signs of developing high levels of nearsightedness. This may require them to wear thick, corrective glasses, and could lead to serious eye problems in the future, such as early cataracts or a detached retina.

Myopia has increased by 66% in the United States since 1971. Early detection and intervention using evidence-based treatments may allow for prevention and reduction of potentially serious vision complications later in life. Some of these complications include increased risk for retinal detachment, cataracts and glaucoma.

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD BE SCREENED FOR MYOPIA?

Children should have their first eye exam between 6-12 months and then again at 3 years, before kindergarten, and annually there-after. The school-aged years are so important and we want to make sure our children are seeing as clearly as possible, to give them the best shot at learning. So much of the eye growth occurs during this time, and optometrists can make sure the visual development is on-track, and if not, there are things we can do to get it back on-track, like myopia treatment. The time is now.

MYOPIA CONTROL & TREATMENT

ATROPINE DROP TREATMENT

In high concentrations, Atropine Drops are commonly used to dilate the pupils. However, research has shown that very low concentrations of atropine (0.05%) slows the progression of nearsightedness without increasing pupil size or dramatically decreasing near vision.

MISIGHT CONTACT LENSES

CooperVision MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses is the first and only product that the FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children ages 8-12 at the initiation of their treatment.

These contact lenses have shown to reduce the rate of myopia progression in children resulting in a lower prescription. Over a 3-year period, these contacts slowed myopia progression 59% on average, reduced eye lengthening by 52% on average, and 41% of eyes had no progression. Over a 6-year period, children wearing MiSight 1 day progressed less than 1.00 on average with their myopia.

SOFT MULTIFOCAL CONTACTS

Soft, multifocal contact lenses are worn during the day and removed before sleep. They not only correct distance vision, but near and intermediate vision as well. Research has shown that by adjusting how the eyes focus for all distances, this method can slow the progression of eye elongation, which leads to myopia. Consistent and proper care of your contact lenses is imperative. Ensure you dispose of them properly, using a clean case and new solution each time.

DAY TIME MULTIFOCAL GLASSES

Much like the soft, multifocal contact lenses, multifocal glasses also correct for near, intermediate, and distance vision. Glasses may be worn on a part-time or full-time basis and have proven to slow the progression of eye elongation as well.

ORTHOKERATOLOGY – NIGHTTIME PARAGON (CRT) LENSES

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) entails the use of rigid, specially designed contact lenses worn overnight. This reduces the lengthening of the eyeball and temporarily corrects myopia, leaving corrective lenses or glasses to go unneeded during the day. Though the results are not permanent, retainer contact lenses can be used periodically to maintain vision improvements.