Myopia is a condition where objects at a close distance are clear, but objects further away are blurry.
Myopia or nearsightedness is increasing in the general population. Nearsightedness among 12-54 year olds increased from 25% in the 1970s to 41% in the early 2000s. In Taiwan, 84% of 16-18 year olds are myopic in the year 2000 versus 74% 17 years earlier. Myopia rates have been shown to be as high as 80-90% among recent school graduates in China.
What is this happening?
Why Care?
High Myopia progresses rapidly in the formative years and it associated with retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.
What Can Be Done?
1. Get your child outside
2. Keep your glasses up to date
Studies show that under correcting nearsightedness can cause it to progress more rapidly. Make sure to schedule an annual eye exam at least once a year for your child.
3. Myopia Treatment Programs
I. Atropine (0.01% - 0.05%) Eye Drops
By using very diluted dilating drops called Atropine (0.01% to 0.05%), you can significantly reduce the progression of nearsightedness. The good news is that the vast majority of drops don’t seem to cause light sensitivity or cause near vision difficulty. Studies show that Atropine eye drops are as much as 60% effective in slowing down myopic progression.
II. Brilliant Futures Myopia Management Program: MiSight 1-Day Contact Lenses
We are one of the first clinics in East Bay to be certified in the FDA-approved lens for myopia progression; Coopervision Mi-Sight 1-Day soft contact lenses. This revolutionary contact lenses are designed utilizing ActivControl Technology which consists of an optic zone concentric ring design with alternating vision correction and treatment zones. Studies show that MiSight contact lenses slow myopia progression by 59% and slowed the rate in which the eye lengthens by 52% compared to children wearing traditional daily soft contact lenses.
III. Corneal molding, Corneal Reshaping, Corneal Refractive Therapy
The process of gently molding the front part of the eye using a rigid gas permeable lens while you sleep can greatly slow down or even stabilize nearsightedness. The best part is that when the molds are removed in the morning, you can see clearly all day without having to wear glasses or traditional contact lenses. Many studies show that Corneal molding can reduce the progression of myopia by as much as 50%.
With these treatment programs your eye doctor can take a proactive approach to correcting your vision.
It is time for us as eyecare providers as well as parents to take a proactive approach to the health of our childrens eyes. Contact us today to schedule a myopia management consultation to determine which treatment program is right for your child. Call us at 925-743-1222 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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