Myopia Management

Myopia Management

The prevalence of myopia in children has been steadily increasing over recent years, with studies indicating that a significant percentage of children are affected by this condition. Early detection and intervention are crucial to managing myopia and preventing it from worsening over time. Evergreen Eye Care is here to help by offering comprehensive myopia management services tailored to your child's needs.

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error in which the eye's focusing power is too strong, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurred distant vision, while near vision remains clear.

The onset of myopia is often associated with genetic factors, environmental influences, and lifestyle habits. Children who spend excessive time on near-work activities, such as reading, using digital devices, or playing video games, are at a higher risk of developing myopia. Additionally, children with a family history of myopia are more likely to develop the condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Myopia in Children

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of myopia in children is essential for early detection and intervention. Some common indicators of myopia include:

• Squinting or struggling to see distant objects clearly

• Frequent headaches or eye strain during near-work activities

• Sitting closer to the TV or holding books/devices closer to the face

• Difficulty seeing the board or whiteboard at school

• Frequent blinking or rubbing of the eyes

If you notice any of these signs in your child, it's important to schedule a comprehensive eye examination with an optometrist.

The Role of Pediatric Eye Exams in Early Detection

Regular pediatric eye exams play a crucial role in the early detection and management of myopia. The American Optometric Association recommends that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age, followed by additional exams at 3 years old, 5 years old, and then annually thereafter.

These eye exams allow our optometrists to assess your child's visual acuity, refractive errors, and overall eye health. By identifying myopia early, we can implement appropriate treatment strategies to slow the progression of the condition and prevent or minimize the risk of associated eye health complications.

Advanced Diagnostic Technology for Myopia Management

At Evergreen Eye Care, we are committed to providing the highest level of care by utilizing advanced technologies like the Topcon MYAH optical biometer and corneal topographer. This cutting-edge tool allows us to accurately diagnose and monitor myopia, offering precise measurements of eye structures and corneal shape. With the Topcon MYAH, we can track the progression of myopia over time, identify the underlying causes, and develop personalized treatment plans to slow or even halt the worsening of your child's vision. This level of precision and data-driven approach is essential for successful myopia management.

Myopia Management at Evergreen Eye Care

Myopia management is crucial in preserving long-term vision health. Effective management strategies can help slow the progression of this condition, reducing the risk of more serious eye health complications later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. By implementing early interventions, myopia management not only enhances visual acuity but also supports overall eye health.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical treatment option for managing myopia. This process involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight that gently reshape the cornea, allowing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or regular contact lenses. Ortho-K is particularly effective for children and young adults, as it can slow down the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of developing severe vision problems later in life. This treatment is a convenient and safe way to manage myopia, providing clear vision and helping to preserve long-term eye health.

MiSight Multifocal Contact Lenses

MiSight multifocal contact lenses are a revolutionary option for myopia management in children. These daily disposable lenses are FDA-approved and designed to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8 to 12 years old. The lenses feature innovative technology that not only corrects vision but also helps manage myopia by creating specific optical zones that focus light in a way that reduces the eye's tendency to elongate, a key factor in myopia progression. With the convenience of daily disposability, MiSight lenses offer a safe, effective, and hassle-free solution for children and their parents, ensuring both vision correction and long-term eye health.

Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine drops have emerged as another promising treatment for myopia management. These low-dose drops work by relaxing the eye's focusing mechanism, which reduces eye strain and prevents the elongation of the eyeball. Clinical studies have shown that atropine can significantly slow down myopia progression, making it an effective part of a comprehensive myopia management plan.

Choosing Evergreen Eye Care for Myopia Management

At Evergreen Eye Care, we are committed to providing comprehensive and personalized myopia management solutions for your child. Dr. Mackenzie Bradley and Dr. David Spengler are dedicated to staying at the forefront of the latest advancements in myopia management, ensuring that your child receives the most effective and innovative treatment options. Our expertise in Ortho-K, MiSight multifocal contact lenses, and atropine therapy allows us to tailor the approach to your child's unique needs, maximizing the effectiveness of myopia management.

Schedule an appointment with our optometrists at Evergreen Eye Care to discuss the best options for your child and take the first step towards a brighter, clearer future.