What is Myopia Management?

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A Layman's Guide to Stop Progression of Myopia

Myopia is the medical term for nearsightedness, an ocular condition that affects distance vision. It is rapidly becoming more pervasive worldwide. If left untreated in childhood, it can lead to deteriorated eyesight and the development of more serious ocular disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment. Early intervention is essential to slow its progression and prevent these more severe complications. Fortunately, there are many interventions to improve vision and stop myopia progression. With appropriate measures, children can achieve a higher quality of life with improved distance vision.

The following article is intended as a general overview of the symptoms and treatments of this disorder, and not as a diagnostic tool. Contact an optometrist if you suspect that you or your child may have myopia or if you want to follow-up on a previously diagnosed case of myopia.

Causes of Myopia

Years of research provide evidence that environmental and hereditary risk factors play a role in this disease.These include:

Hereditary and Genetic Factors: "Eye lengthening" and "corneal curvature" are ocular growth irregularities associated with this condition which may be hereditary.
Environmental Factors:
Overuse of glass: For low level nearsightedness may be a risk factor for its progression in childhood
Eye Strain: Excessive strain from digital devices and computer screens, or strain from close up work (such as time spent reading books up or extensive homework sessions) may also contribute
Insufficient Outdoor Activity: There is evidence that children who spend more time outdoors are less prone to developing this condition

Symptoms of Myopia

Common signs of nearsightedness include:

difficulty with distance vision (sometimes at night)
squinting
eye strain/discomfort
having to come close to an object to see it.

Nearsighted children often have to stand close to the classroom whiteboard to take notes.

Symptoms of Myopia

Routine eye examinations are essential for detecting and treating ocular disorders, as well as for checking general visual acuity and overall ocular health.There are various ways to treat myopia. These include various forms of corrective prescription contacts, corneal reshaping measures such as ortho-k, multifocals, low-dose medicated eye drop therapy, and refractive surgery. The latter option is usually inappropriate for children.

Multifocals: Allow for a harmonious blending of vision using a pair of glasses or contacts that feature multiple prescriptions.
Low-dose medicated eye-drops: These drops have been shown to improve vision. non-invasive.
Ortho-k or orthokeratology treatment: A corneal reshaping intervention where contacts are worn overnight to reshape shape the eye and allow for glasses/free clear daytime vision. This intervention requires maintenance with the use of retainers. With cessation of this treatment, the eyes will revert to their original shape, and vision will revert to its pre-corrected state.

Homecare Prevention for Nearsighted Children

Parents need to help manage their nearsighted child's eye care and inculcate the importance of good practices, in accordance with their age and maturity. This includes:

reducing excessive use of digital devices to prevent eye strain
discouraging eye-rubbing and touching
teaching children them how to manage and use their contacts, and to follow appropriate sanitary measures for storing and cleaning them
encouraging outdoor activity.

Common Questions

What is the best type of management for a nearsighted child?

The best management intervention is different for everyone, including children who are not viable candidates for refractive surgery. Depending on different factors, contacts, eye drops, and corneal reshaping interventions such as ortho-k therapy (or a combination) may be viable options. For young children, parents will be responsible for applying low dose eye drop therapy and managing any contacts that might be part of a treatment regimen. There is also the risk of infections with contacts that parents will need to consider. Contact your child’s optometrist right away if you notice any signs that suggest there might be an infection.

Is myopia dangerous?

If it is allowed to go untreated, myopia will lead to worsening vision and the possible development of more serious ocular conditions later in life. Fortunately there are many effective options today to detect and treat nearsightedness. With proper management, children can achieve good vision and maintain their health by slowing down the progression of the disorder.

How do I find a good optometrist?

Ask around for good recommendations. Do your research to find good doctors in your region. The internet provides opportunities for finding like minded people. With diligent research, it has never been easier to find quality information.

What is the difference between myopia “control" and "management"?

These are different terms for the same thing. Both refer to the measures taken by optometrists to improve vision in nearsightedness and to slow its progression.

Myopia Control for Children

The prevalence of myopia across the world has been recognized for some time now. Thanks to advances in medical technology, there are many effective treatments to treat myopia, by improving distance vision and preventing the progression of this disorder. If your child is showing possible signs of myopia, or if you just want to discuss options for previously diagnosed nearsightedness, speak with your optometrist to find out more.

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Testimonials

Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.

Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.

Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!

Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!

Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!

Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!