Myopia Management
During every child’s eye exam, our Optometrists assess risk factors that could lead to excessive amounts of Myopia and may consult you on treatment plans to reduce your child’s correction by up to 60%.
What is Myopia?
Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is a prevalent condition characterized by blurry distance vision. In eyeglass prescriptions, myopia is indicated by a number preceded by a minus sign. It stands as the primary cause of impaired vision among individuals below 40 years of age, often commencing in childhood and potentially escalating to more severe levels if left untreated. Alarmingly, the incidence of myopia is rapidly increasing, with research indicating a projected rise from 25% of the population in 2000 to an expected 50% by 2050 (Holden et al., 2016).
What causes Myopia?
Myopia occurs when incoming light rays focus in front of, rather than on, the retina, resulting in blurred distance vision. This optical anomaly is influenced by both the length of the eye and the shape of the cornea.
Our optometrists conduct comprehensive assessments of children’s vision to detect any refractive errors, including myopia. Additionally, they measure axial length and perform overall ocular health checks to determine candidacy for our Myopia Management Program.
Why is Myopia Management Important?
Individuals with myopia often endure symptoms such as headaches, squinting, eye strain, and difficulties in activities requiring clear distance vision, such as academic pursuits and sports. Children with myopia may encounter challenges in both vision and learning at school, significantly impacting their daily lives. Myopia can severely hinder simple tasks like shaving, applying makeup, or even checking the time on an alarm clock.
The risk of myopia escalates with increased hours of near-work, such as reading and device usage, coupled with reduced outdoor time. Moreover, having one or both parents with nearsightedness augments the likelihood of a child developing myopia.
Early onset of myopia correlates with a higher progression rate, heightening the risk of sight-threatening complications, including myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachments, glaucoma, and cataracts.
How do we manage Myopia?
Thankfully, an increasing body of research demonstrates our capacity to postpone the onset and mitigate the progression of myopia through various treatment modalities. As the prevalence of myopia rises within our population, we recognize the significance of safeguarding the visual health of children to mitigate the incidence of myopia and minimize the likelihood of vision-related complications in the future. Our optometrists are dedicated to managing myopia through a therapeutic treatment strategy, emphasizing its critical role, particularly before the age of 10, yet remaining applicable to all children.
Treatments include:
Myopia Control Glasses like the MiyoSmart lenses by Hoya. These specialized lenses are supported with extensive research in reducing the rate of myopia progression with an average reduction of 60%. This lens features Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) technology to offer clear vision while a ring shaped treatment zone manages the light entering the back of the eye, shown to reduce the amount of myopia progression.
Myopia Control Contact Lenses may be an option for more active children in conjunction with glasses to continue managing myopia while not wearing their glasses. MiSight 1 day contact lenses feature an ActivControl Technology that helps slow the elongation of the eye and continue reducing myopia progression while still providing clear everyday vision.
Atropine eye drops may be used to help delay the onset of myopia or slow myopia progression however, it does not correct vision. This solution, while effective, usually requires another treatment modality such as glasses or contact lenses. The eye drop is instilled once daily, at night, and can cause headaches and light sensitivity.
Ortho-K lenses are rigid gas permeable lenses that are worn at night only and work by temporarily reshaping the cornea.
Lifestyle is also an important part of managing myopia. Studies show that children should be spending about 2 hours outdoors everyday to reduce the risk of myopia progression. It is also very important to take frequent breaks from near work as long periods of time working up close with books, computers, and phones may affect the development of myopia.
How do I discover if myopia management is an option for my child?
With an eye exam for your children! Our Optometrists will see children as young as newborns and Alberta Health Care covers the cost of your child’s eye exam until they turn 19 years of age. Click here to request an appointment online.
