Myopia Management

Your children grow quickly, and unfortunately, so does their myopia.

Managing myopia is crucial not just for clear vision today, but for preventing serious eye conditions in the future. Early intervention can slow the progression of myopia, safeguarding your child's eye health and enhancing their quality of life.
​​​​​​​

schedule an appointment

What is myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, causes distant objects to appear blurry while closer objects remain clear. This condition arises when the eye is too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Myopia can also result from the shape of the cornea or the thickness of the eye's lens. It is one of the most common vision problems worldwide, affecting nearly 30% of the American population, with its incidence increasing rapidly.

What causes myopia?

The exact cause of myopia remains unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some contributing factors may include:

Main Contributing Factors for Myopia Progression in Children:

Genetics

Genetics If one parent is myopic, the child has a 1 in 3 chance of developing myopia. If both parents are myopic, the risk increases to 1 in 2.

Prolonged Near Work

Prolonged Near Work Extensive time spent on activities like reading, writing, and using digital devices.

Limited Outdoor Time

Limited Outdoor Time Children who spend less time outdoors are at a higher risk of developing myopia.

Uncorrected Vision Problems

Uncorrected Vision Problems Failure to address initial vision problems can lead to worsening myopia.

Diet and Nutrition

Diet and Nutrition Poor diet lacking essential nutrients can affect overall eye health.

Statistics for Genetics Contributing to Myopia Prevalence:

Parental Myopia
Parental Myopia
  • A child with one myopic parent has a 33% chance of developing myopia.

  • A child with two myopic parents has a 50% chance of developing myopia.

How to spot the signs of myopia

  • Squinting to see distant objects or the board at school

  • Holding books or screens very close to their face

  • Complaints of headaches or eye strain

  • Frequent eye rubbing

  • Difficulty seeing the board in school

  • Avoidance of activities requiring clear distance vision

If your child is showing any of these symptoms, book an appointment now.

How myopia could affect your child

  • Potential for lower academic performance

  • Challenges in sports and outdoor activities

  • Increased eye strain and fatigue

  • Higher risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life

Why Myopia Management Beats Glasses Alone

  • Traditional glasses only correct vision but do not address myopia progression.

  • Studies show that myopia management strategies can slow the progression of myopia by up to 50%, reducing the risk of high myopia and associated complications like retinal detachment and glaucoma.

  • Children who undergo myopia management can enjoy better long-term eye health and a lower likelihood of severe vision problems later in life.

Myopia management options for your child

There are various myopia management options for your child, and no single solution fits everyone. At Lunettes du Monde Optometry, we have successfully reduced myopia progression in children with Ortho-K for over a decade. In recent years, other effective methods, such as soft contact lens treatments and atropine eye drops, have also been utilized. Sometimes, none of these are necessary, and therapy eyeglass lenses tailored to your child's binocular vision system are most effective. We'll discuss all of these options below.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology A non-surgical treatment using specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day.

  • Ideal for children and teens with mild to moderate myopia

  • Active individuals who prefer not to wear glasses or daytime contact lenses

  • Those seeking to slow the progression of myopi

MiSight 1-day Soft Contact Lenses

MiSight 1-day Soft Contact Lenses Daily disposable contact lenses designed to correct vision and slow myopia progression in children.

  • Ideal for children aged 8-12 with mild to moderate myopia

  • Parents seeking a safe, effective, and convenient myopia management option

  • Children who prefer not to wear glasses

Myopia Control Glasses Lenses

Myopia Control Glasses Lenses (coming soon)

Atropine Therapy

Atropine Therapy Specially compounded eye drops used to reduce the progression of myopia.

  • Applied once daily under doctor instructions

  • Children will need to continue wearing glasses during treatment

Early intervention is best!!

Studies show that managing myopia progression can reduce the risk of developing high myopia, which is associated with a 10-fold increased risk of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Schedule a Myopia Management Consult

If you're worried about your child's myopia progression, contact us today to schedule a myopia management consultation. Early intervention is key—addressing the issue now gives us more options before their vision deteriorates further.
To explore the best myopia management option for your child, consult with one of our myopia experts.

Helpful Articles

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS

Myopia (Nearsightedness) in Children

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision problem that often begins between the ages of 6 and 14. It affects up to 5% of preschoolers, about 9% of school aged children, and nearly 30% of adolescents...

Continue Reading.

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

The Pandemic Made Kids’ Eyesight Worse, Doctors Say

Many kids are emerging from the pandemic with vision problems, doctors say. A primary culprit, they believe, is increased screen time…

Continue Reading.

REVIEW OF MYOPIA MANAGEMENT

Increasing Screen Time During the Coronavirus Pandemic Could Accelerate Childhood Myopia

Continue Reading.

Myopia Awareness Week: Optometrist Recommendations for Kids

Continue Reading.