The intent of myopia management is to slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Progressive myopia puts your child’s eyes at higher risk of ocular health conditions later in life such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and others. Slowing of myopia progression is expected but not guaranteed. We are excited to journey together with your family in this program now and into the future. We are committed to being available along this journey and we ask for your commitment to the follow up schedule and treatment recommendations.
What Causes Myopia?
Myopia occurs due to an abnormal curvature bend. The eye is normally round and smooth, similar to a marble. If you have myopia, your cornea isn't even and smooth. There are a couple of factors that can increase your risk of developing myopia.
- Genetics: Myopia tends to run in families. If one of your parents is nearsighted, there is a chance that you will be as well. If both of your parents are nearsighted, your risk increases significantly.
- Spending too much time indoors: Studies have shown that people who spend little time outdoors have a higher risk of having myopia than those who go outdoors often.
What Are the Symptoms Of Myopia?
The most common symptom of myopia is seeing objects in the distance as blurry. The other symptoms include:
- Needing to squint to see objects in the distance
- Needing to sit closer to the TV or in the classroom
- Being unaware of objects in the distance
- Excessive blinking
- Needing to rub your eyes frequently to see objects in the distance more clearly
Management Method
Your child’s optometrist may recommend any of the following as the best option for your child. Factors that determine the best method for your child include age, rate of nearsightedness progression, current level of nearsightedness, family history of nearsightedness, and others. All of these methods slow progression by causing the peripheral vision (side vision) to be slightly out of focus. These methods have minimal to no effect on your child’s clarity of their central vision.
STELLEST Glasses Lenses
These glasses lenses have a clear ‘central zone’ with a mild ‘defocus zone’ built into the outer areas of the lenses. These are also referred to as peripheral diffusion optics glasses.
Average effect on rate of progression: 71% decrease (this is an average, results vary).
Multifocal Contact Lenses
These contact lenses have built-in ‘rings’ that blur the peripheral vision. They also correct vision, and are worn in place of glasses (although glasses are still recommended for when contact lenses are not worn).
Average effect on rate of progression: 50-60% decrease (this is an average, results vary)
Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine is an eye drop that is used every night in both eyes. The drops blur the side vision, with minimal to no effect on the clarity of vision. Glasses must still be worn.
Eye drops are compounded and must be ordered through a compounding pharmacy.
Average effect on rate of progression: 40-60% decrease (this is an average, results vary)
Follow Up Schedule
Your child’s optometrist may recommend a follow-up (commonly six months after their comprehensive eye examination) to monitor for progression of myopia (nearsightedness).
