myopia control by dr. jessica

     Myopia – or nearsightedness – is a condition that affects nearly one-third to one-half of the population in the United States. The nearsighted individual can see objects close but has difficulty seeing objects farther away. This can happen if the eye is longer than normal, from front to back, or the cornea is too
steeply curved. The eyes are intended to grow from birth until the teenage years, and then stabilize, but in myopia, the eyes may grow too much and/or too fast. When the eye length grows too quickly, it may lead to vision deterioration, requiring a progressively stronger prescription. This lengthening or
stretching of the eyeball could lead to an increased risk of vision threatening eye diseases later in life, such as retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. 

     Myopia is generally not reversible, so today’s treatments are directed toward prevention, compensation
(using glasses or contact lenses), or slowing its progression - a process called myopia control. Myopia control treatment is not a guarantee for any individual child, but the research indicates that it offers the likelihood of success in slowing the progression of nearsightedness.

Myopia Management Options

Spectacles – standard, single-focus spectacles do not slow myopia progression. Specialized myopia control spectacles have been shown to, on average, slow down the progression of myopia by nearly 70%. 5 The FDA has authorized marketing of the first spectacle lens to slow down the progression of
pediatric myopia; we expect approval soon!


Contact Lenses – standard, single-focus contact lenses do not slow myopia progression.

     Soft myopia control contact lenses – these are daily disposable contact lenses to be worn during waking hours. The FDA has approval for myopia control was granted up to an indicated prescription.
​
     Soft multifocal contact lenses – these contact lenses may be daily disposable or reusable up to one month and are worn during waking hours. These are not FDA approved for myopia control but have been used off-label and has widely studied for safety and efficacy.

     Orthokeratology lenses – these contact lenses are gas permeable lenses worn overnight and removed upon waking. These lenses are custom to each wearer and therefore require more measurements and appointments. This option is desirable for those where soft lens or spectacle wear may be inconvenient during the day (i.e. swimmers). Orthokeratology lenses are not specifically FDA approved for myopia control.


Atropine Eye Drops – lower concentrations (0.01% to 0.05%) of this pharmacological eyedrop are used for myopia control. There are fewer risks and side effects associated with the lower concentrations and has been widely studied for safety and efficacy. Vision correction, with spectacles or contact lenses, may
still be needed to help with blurry vision.


Other things that you can do:

 Limit screentime and near work
 Utilize optimal lighting – natural light is best!
 Promote outdoor time
 Increase your knowledge
 Schedule regular eye exams

Kirkwood Eye Associates offers all the myopia control options, provided by our contact lens specialists. Contact us today to see if your child may be a good candidate.
​

​

As a mother to a myopic 4-year-old, I understand the psychological impact and pressure to be a ‘good parent’ under societal standards. My understanding of myopia control is vast; however, I still wonder if I am doing everything I can for my child. We are currently promoting outdoor time and limiting screentime but allowing freedom to explore books and encourage healthy reading. We initiated atropine eye drops, got her a pair of myopia control spectacles and continue to work on getting contact lenses into her eyes every day. I understand what it is like to have a myopic child, and we are here to help!

​Dr. Jessica Tu

1. International Myopia Institute. Myopia - Myopia Institute. https://myopiainstitute.org/. Published 2023. https://myopiainstitute.org/myopia/
2. Porter D. Myopia Control in Children. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published February 22, 2022. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/myopia-control-in-children
3. Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical and environmental factors in myopia aetiology. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012 Nov;31(6):622-60.
4. Tideman JW, Snabel MC, Tedja MS, van Rijn GA, Wong KT, Kuijpers RW, Vingerling JR, Hofman A, Buitendijk GH, Keunen JE, Boon CJ, Geerards AJ, Luyten GP, Verhoeven VJ, Klaver CC. Association of Axial Length With Risk of Uncorrectable Visual Impairment for Europeans With Myopia. JAMA
Ophthalmol. 2016 Dec 1;134(12):1355-1363.
5. Essilor Stellest | Explore why Stellest may be the right choice. Essilor. Published 2021. https://www.essilor.com/ca-en/products/stellest/