Myopia Management

What is Myopia?

Myopia is the condition commonly known as near or short-sighted. Myopia has become increasingly prevalent around the world in recent decades, resulting in a major health, social and economic burden. In fact, in 2010, myopia was estimated to be the main cause of distance visual impairment worldwide – and it is ranked as the second most common cause of blindness globally. People with moderate to high myopia have an increased chance of retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and glaucoma as they age. This in conjunction with the social ramifications of having lower quality vision makes myopia control an important aspect of your child’s vision care. The goal of myopia control is to minimize the development and reduce the impact it has on your child’s life.

The younger your child begins to address the problem, the greater the success rate is. Recently eye doctors shifted from providing new glasses every year as myopia progresses to taking a more serious approach to slowing down myopia by managing the condition with certain methods. There are currently three main techniques used to manage and slow down the progression of myopia: Ortho K: Specialized Contact lenses worn at night which gently reshape the eye, atropine: low dose atropine drops, bifocal or multi-Focal contacts: specialized multifocal contacts. When your child has an appointment with our eye doctor, she will discuss which option is best for your child.
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Orthokeratology (OrthoK)

Of all the currently available options for controlling myopia progression, OrthoK is among the most effective. Reductions in the rate of eye elongation from 30% to 80% have been reported in various studies.

This procedure uses specially designed contact lenses (OrthoK lenses), made from rigid gas permeable materials that are worn overnight during sleep. They are designed to flatten the cornea, which is the front surface of the eye, and to give clear vision when removed in the morning.

Multifocal contact lenses

Multifocal (or MF) soft contact lenses have been shown to significantly slow or even stop further increases in nearsightedness. These lenses were originally developed for older adults who have lost their ability to focus at near, but are now being used by younger patients to slow the progression of myopia.

Low Dose Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine eye drops of lower concentrations has been shown to inhibit the progression of myopia with great tolerability. It can be used as a standalone treatment or as an adjunct therapy to overnight OrthoK or daytime wear MF contact lenses.

Please Contact Us if you’d like a consultation appointment with Dr Espiritu regarding myopia management for your child call us at 916-246-8111 or email our Myopia Coordinator: Alyssa alyssa@eyesofeastsac.com for more information