Myopia Control
What is Myopia?
Myopia typically develops in childhood as the eyes grow rapidly and can progress gradually or quickly through the teenage years. It is often first diagnosed between ages 5 and 7, and it can continue to worsen until the late teens or even into the mid-20s. Fortunately, myopia can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses, helping children see clearly and comfortably.
What is Myopia?
Myopia typically develops in childhood as the eyes grow rapidly and can progress gradually or quickly through the teenage years. It is often first diagnosed between ages 5 and 7, and it can continue to worsen until the late teens or even into the mid-20s. Fortunately, myopia can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses, helping children see clearly and comfortably.
The Risks of Becoming More Myopic
Age
The younger a child develops myopia, the higher the risk of it progressing to high myopia over time.
Parental Myopia
While myopia isn’t strictly hereditary, research shows that children with myopic parents have a greater risk of developing the condition.
Prescription Changes
Significant increases in a child’s prescription suggest that their myopia is likely to continue progressing as they grow.
Near Work
Spending excessive time on close-up tasks, such as reading or screen use, is linked to a higher risk of myopia progression.
Slowing the Progression of Myopia
Our Myopia Control treatment program offers a proactive approach to managing nearsightedness in children and teenagers.
Traditionally, most optometrists have focused solely on correcting myopia with glasses, without addressing its progression. As a result, many children experience worsening vision year after year, requiring stronger, thicker lenses while their eyeballs continue to elongate. This ongoing progression not only impacts their vision but also increases the risk of long-term eye health issues.
At O’Fallon Family Eyecare, we take a different approach. Our Myopia Control program is designed to slow the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of future vision complications. By implementing specialized treatments, we help children maintain better vision, healthier eyes, and greater confidence for a lifetime.
Myopia Control Treatments We Offer
Orthokeratology
(Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) uses specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the front surface of the eye, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts. In addition to correcting vision, Ortho-K has been clinically shown to slow the progression of myopia in children. It’s a safe, non-surgical option that gives kids freedom from glasses while protecting their long-term eye health..
MiSight® Contact Lenses
MiSight® contact lenses are specially designed soft lenses that not only correct vision but also help slow the progression of myopia in children. These lenses work by altering how light focuses on the peripheral retina, which has been shown to reduce the eye’s tendency to grow too long, a key factor in worsening myopia. They’re a safe, comfortable option worn during the day that can fit seamlessly into a child’s daily routine.
Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine eye drops, used at very low concentrations, are a clinically proven treatment to slow the progression of myopia in children. Applied once daily, these drops help reduce the eye’s growth rate without affecting daytime vision or reading ability. They’re a simple, non-invasive option for parents looking to protect their child’s long-term eye health..
Our State-of-the-Art Technology
Optomap Retinal Imaging
The Optomap provides the doctor with a wider, more detailed view of your retina than traditional dilation alone. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation, and the doctor will share the images with you, so you can see exactly what’s happening inside your eyes.
iWellness OCT Screening
The iWellness OCT screening helps the doctor assess your eyes for early signs of glaucoma that might not be detected with traditional exams until much later. It’s a fast, non-invasive way to check for potential risks and protect your vision.
Digital Prescriptions
Using electronic measurements to determine your prescription is not only faster, but it also allows the doctor to fine-tune your prescription with greater precision. You’ll be able to see exactly how your vision has changed.
No Air Puff Tonometry
Tonometry is a quick and crucial test for measuring eye pressure, which helps detect glaucoma. We make this process more comfortable by using advanced technology that measures your pressure without the discomfort of drops or air puffs.