Myopia Management

MYOPIA MATTERS

Myopia is starting earlier and progressing faster

Myopia or “near-sighted” is the ability to see objects up close clearly but distant objects are blurry.

According to the National Eye Institute, approximately 42% of Americans ages 12-52 are myopic. Myopia typically starts during childhood. With every growth spurt your child’s eye is elongating. Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long. Although glasses can be used to refocus, it does not slow down the elongation of the eye or halt the progression of myopia.

Myopic patients are more vulnerable to a range of sight-threatening diseases and complications.

Long-term Risks of Children with High Myopia

• Myopia is the sixth leading cause of blindness.
• More than 50 percent of retinal detachments (not related to trauma) are associated with myopia.
• Other myopia risks include glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.

Studies have proven myopia can be managed with eye drops and a unique type of contact lens. The younger a patient begins myopia management the more effective the treatment. Ortho-keratology (ortho-k) contact lenses currently offer the best option to slow progression of myopia. Ortho-K slows the progression of myopia by preventing an increase in eye length. These FDA approved custom contact lenses are designed to be worn only at night and have no age requirement. This non-surgical option reshapes and corrects patients vision while they sleep, allowing freedom from both contact lenses and glasses during the day.

ORTHO-KERATOLOGY

Ortho-keratology (ortho-k) contact lenses currently offer the best option to slow progression of myopia. Ortho-K slows the progression of myopia by preventing an increase in eye length. These FDA approved custom contact lenses are designed to be worn only at night and have no age requirement. This non-surgical option reshapes and corrects patients vision while they sleep, allowing freedom from both contact lenses and glasses during the day.

“Using the Ortho-K overnight lenses to manage Brilee's myopia has been incredible! Not having to worry about glasses or contacts during the day has allowed Brilee to play sports, swim and complete classwork with perfect vision. It has also kept her myopia from progressing, which is huge considering pretty significant near-sightedness runs in our family. Not only does she benefit from the effects of having vision without assistance during the day but she won't have to deal with the consequences of a high myopia as she grows older. Dr. Garcia makes the entire process easy and is always available for any questions we have.” - Kristie D.