Myopia Management

Myopia

A common condition that involves nearsightedness (difficulty seeing far). Distance objects appear blurry and if not addressed can become worse as your child gets older. Common issues of myopia are high myopia and degenerative myopia. Your eyeball gets longer which can increase chances of having an abnormally high prescription.

Genetics play a key part in myopia for kids especially kids who spend significantly less time outdoors and more time indoors on digital devices (both at home and school). This indoor/outdoor imbalance appears to be an uncontrollable variable contributing to a myopia epidemic worldwide.a

myopia

Signs and Symptoms

Your child may display one or more of the following habits due to myopia:

  • Persistent squinting

  • Needing to sit closer to see

  • Holding books and electronics very close to see

  • Seems to be unaware of distant objects

  • Excessive blinking

  • Rubbing eyes frequently

  • Poor grades or falling behind in school

myopia

MYOPIA MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Fortunately, we now have several safe and effective options to help us accomplish the goal of myopia management. Myopia management is made to slow down myopia progressions by at least 50%.

Visual Acuity Eyecare provides treatments plans that may prevent further complications associated with myopia such as:

ORTHOKERATOLOGY LENSES – GOLD STANDARD OF MYOPIA MANAGEMENT

They are custom made gas–permeable contact lenses that are applied at bedtime and worn overnight. While sleeping, the lenses will gently reshape the curvature of the cornea to correct their vision. The patients removes the Ortho-K lenses every morning and will be able to see without daytime glasses or contact lenses.

ortho-k
ortho-k

MISIGHT 1 DAY SOFT LENSES – FDA APPROVED

The only FDA-approved daily wear, single-use soft contact lens

ortho-k

Low-Dose Atropine Drops - Eye Drops at Night

Involved in the regulation of elongation of the eye. It’s the only ‘off-label’ medication that has demonstrated to be consistently effective in slowing myopia progression.

normal eye myopia

To learn more or speak with our specialized doctor, schedule an exam with us today!

Myopia Management FAQs

What is myopia (nearsightedness) and why is it increasing?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition where distance vision is blurry because the eye grows too long. At Visual Acuity Eyecare, Dr. John Du explains that myopia is increasing due to more screen time, less outdoor activity, and increased near work in children.

How fast does myopia progress in children?

Myopia can worsen quickly in children, often progressing every year if left untreated. At Visual Acuity Eyecare, Dr. John Du monitors progression closely and recommends early intervention to slow down eye growth and reduce long-term risks.

What age should my child start myopia control treatment?

Myopia control treatment can start as early as ages 5–6, depending on the child. Dr. John Du at Visual Acuity Eyecare recommends starting treatment as soon as myopia is diagnosed to achieve the best long-term results.

What are the best treatments to slow myopia progression?

The most effective treatments include MiSight contact lenses, orthokeratology (Ortho-K), low-dose atropine eye drops, and Stellest lenses. At Visual Acuity Eyecare, Dr. John Du customizes treatment based on your child’s age, prescription, and lifestyle.

Do MiSight contact lenses really work for myopia control?

Yes, MiSight lenses are FDA-approved and clinically proven to slow myopia progression in children. At Visual Acuity Eyecare, Dr. John Du frequently recommends MiSight as a safe and effective option for kids.

What is orthokeratology (Ortho-K) and is it safe for kids?

Ortho-K uses specially designed overnight contact lenses to gently reshape the cornea while sleeping. Dr. John Du at Visual Acuity Eyecare considers Ortho-K a safe and effective option for children when properly monitored.

Can screen time or iPads cause myopia in children?

Excessive screen time and prolonged near work can contribute to myopia progression. At Visual Acuity Eyecare, Dr. John Du recommends limiting screen time and increasing outdoor activity to help protect children’s vision.

Is myopia genetic or caused by lifestyle?

Myopia can be influenced by both genetics and lifestyle factors. Dr. John Du at Visual Acuity Eyecare explains that even if parents are nearsighted, proper treatment can significantly slow progression in children.

How much outdoor time helps prevent myopia progression?

Studies show that at least 1.5 to 2 hours of outdoor time daily can help reduce the risk of myopia progression. At Visual Acuity Eyecare, Dr. John Du encourages outdoor play as part of a comprehensive myopia management plan.

What happens if my child's myopia keeps getting worse?

If myopia continues to worsen, it increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma. Dr. John Du at Visual Acuity Eyecare focuses on slowing progression early to protect long-term eye health.

Are glasses enough to control myopia progression?

Regular glasses can correct vision but do not slow myopia progression. At Visual Acuity Eyecare, Dr. John Du offers advanced treatments like MiSight, Ortho-K, atropine, and Stellest lenses to actively manage myopia.

What is the difference between myopia control and regular glasses?

Regular glasses only improve vision, while myopia control treatments are designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness. Dr. John Du at Visual Acuity Eyecare provides customized treatment plans that go beyond standard vision correction.

Is myopia control covered by insurance?

Most myopia control treatments are not fully covered by insurance, but partial benefits may apply. At Visual Acuity Eyecare, Dr. John Du and the team help patients understand their options and maximize available benefits.

How long does myopia control treatment take?

Myopia control is typically a long-term treatment that continues throughout childhood and teenage years. Dr. John Du at Visual Acuity Eyecare adjusts treatment over time to ensure the best results as your child grows.

Can adults benefit from myopia control treatments?

While myopia control is most effective in children, some treatments may still benefit adults in specific cases. Dr. John Du at Visual Acuity Eyecare evaluates each patient individually to determine the best approach.

 
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