Myopia Management

Myopia is a very common issue throughout the world. Approximately 1/3 of the population in the United States have the condition and over 90% of several East Asian countries suffer from myopia. While myopia may seem like such a common condition that it shouldn’t be cause for concern, it is actually associated with several very serious conditions that can threaten one’s ability to see.

What is Myopia

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a condition where individuals are able to see objects that are close to them but may have difficulty distinguishing things at a distance, such as road signs or leaves on a tree. These individuals often squint at objects that are further away to try and help bring them into focus.

Currently, there is no known cure for myopia and recent studies suggest that the more advanced your myopia gets, the more serious the effects can be on your vision. This has led eye professionals to look for ways to slow the progression of myopia in children and young adults as the eyes typically change more rapidly during this time and slowing down myopia progression during these years has a huge payoff.

Types of Myopia Management

There are a few different treatments for myopia that have proven to be effective in a number of studies. Of course, to ensure you find the most effective choice for you, be sure to visit with your eye doctor so they can review your case and recommend the best options for you.

​​​​​​​Atropine Eye Drops | One of the thoughts about the progression of myopia, is that it is associated with eye strain. The additional stresses that are placed on the eye when straining push the eye further out of its proper shape. Atropine eye drops are specifically designed to help stop the eye from straining and help the muscles relax. Atropine is similar to the eye drops that are used when you get your eyes dilated but lasts throughout the entire day rather than just a few hours. Atropine dilates the pupil of the eye and prevents them from closing too tightly and limiting your vision. This treatment has been shown to be especially effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children.

Multifocal Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses | These specialty contact lenses are designed to help reduce strain on the eyes. They have shown great success at slowing the progression of myopia over a three-year period when compared with individuals who wore a standard prescription lens.

Overview

If you notice that your child is having a difficult time seeing objects that are far away, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Many parents notice changes in their children with their behavior or grades at school, their ability to play sports, or that they may even be pulling back from playing with friends. Treating myopia as quickly as possible can help to reduce your child’s chances of developing a serious eye condition that can threaten their ability to see the world around them. Call today and schedule an appointment to see how we can help your child.

Myopia Management for Children

Ever wondered about the long-term effects of your child's nearsightedness? Untreated myopia can impact their future in more ways than you might realize:
      ● Greater risk of eye diseases later in life
      ● Increased eyewear dependency
      ● Frequent prescription updates
      ● Difficulty with academics, sports, and socializing

Unfortunately, glasses only correct vision. They do not slow or halt the progression of myopia.

However, there are now FDA-approved methods to simultaneously improve your child’s eyesight and slow their myopia! We offer a range of Myopia Management solutions, including specialty pediatric contact lenses and eye-relaxing eye drops. We will tailor a treatment plan to your child’s unique needs and lifestyle. To discuss myopia management, schedule a consultation today! In the meantime, learn more about myopia from one of our trusted partners.

Ortho-k Contact Lenses

Many parents are unaware that their child’s nearsightedness — and their own — can be properly managed with the right treatment. Ortho-k, or “eyewear retainers,” are cornea reshaping hard contact lenses worn at night while you sleep. With a proper fit and prescription, these specialty contact lenses can remove the need for daytime eye correction. Studies have shown they can also reduce the progression of a childs’ myopia. This is one of our available tools for pediatric myopia management.

MiSight: FDA-Approved Contact Lenses for Myopia Management

MiSight 1-Day soft contact lenses are specialty daily disposable lenses designed for children for daytime use. These lenses correct your child’s blurry vision AND help keep it from getting worse! Our team will discuss your childs’ risk factors for myopia and set up a treatment plan that works for you and your child’s lifestyle.

Rigid Gas Permeable

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are the “original” hard contact lens, but their design has advanced over time to make them effective at dealing with issues such as astigmatism and high myopia. Their permeable nature allows more oxygen to pass through, and because they are harder, they are more durable and sometimes offer more crip vision.

Why Choose Us?

We believe finding you the ideal contact lens is an art and science. At Helmus Optometry, our diverse team has the tools and expertise to uncover - and deliver - your specific vision needs and goals. We will make recommendations that are effective and reflective of you. Schedule a contact lens exam today to see how we can help you and your family achieve clear, comfortable vision.