Myopia control is a safe, non-invasive way to slow down or stop myopia progression
The most common of all refractive errors, myopia puts more people behind glasses than any other singular cause. Myopia typically develops during childhood.
Up until recently, correcting myopia was only possible through corrective lenses or laser eye surgery. Today, myopia control is an increasingly popular method of adjusting for myopia while slowing down – and sometimes even stopping – further progression.
If you have concerns regarding your child’s myopia progression, know that we can work together to create an individualized treatment with the potential to positively influence their prescription.
When the eyeball is too long (relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens), light rays passing through the lens focus in front of the retina as opposed to directly on top of it. This makes the image we see unclear, causing what we commonly refer to as nearsightedness.
Since myopia is the result of light being improperly focused, we can compensate for myopia by correcting the focus point of incoming light. This is usually done with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or laser refractive surgery.
“My father has a complicated vision history and is an overall challenging case. The staff at Dittman Eyecare always goes above and beyond to provide the most professional, efficient and progressive care to optimize my father’s vision. Dr. Dittman provides thorough care with the most up to date treatment options. He and his staff treat patients and their family members with the utmost respect. We always leave this office feeling listened to and heard. Top notch in all aspects!”
READ MORE REVIEWSMyopia control sounds like a singular process, but in reality it’s a combination of several methods that work together to control myopia.
After our initial consultation, we will create a unique myopia control program tailored around your child’s eyes. We take precise measurements to ensure the best possible outcome.
One of the first areas we assess and address is in habits linked with myopia. This includes how much time is spent outside, technology/screen time, posture, reading habits, and nutritional considerations.
Precision-made rigid gas permeable contact lenses are worn overnight while your child sleeps. Working gently over the period of eight hours, the CRT lenses reshape the cornea to correct nearsightedness. In the morning, the contact lenses are put into a storage solution and the child is free to enjoy the day without glasses!Of all methods available for myopia control, CRT is among the most effective. Several studies have shown anywhere from a 55% to 100% reduction in eye elongation.
When worn and cared for correctly, corneal reshaping therapy is regarded as one of the most effective non-pharmacological measures to slow progression of myopia in children and, with regular follow-ups to ensure safety, continues to be one of the most effective treatments for myopia management around the world.
Clinical studies have found strong benefits from wearing soft multifocal contact lenses in children with myopia. Several studies have found that, compared to children wearing eyeglasses, myopia progression can be reduced by 50-60% using soft multifocal contact lenses.Unlike CRT, these lenses are worn during the day.
Containing just 0.01% active ingredient (atropine), this low dose solution is used for 1 to 2 year periods. It works by relaxing eye focusing muscles, reducing eye strain, and dilating the pupil. Numerous studies performed over the past two decades suggest progression reduction by as much as 81% is possible.We have had strong success using atropine and will inform you more during the consultation regarding its uses, potential side effects, and what to expect.
Our patients have come to expect excellent service and unmatched quality of care. We are able to achieve consistent success because we customize our program to suit each patient. This is not a “one size fits all” kind of endeavor; we work hand in hand to create a great result.
During our consultation we will assess your child’s eye health, determine their prescription, and take detailed information regarding the size, shape, and curvature of the eye/cornea/lens.
We will be able to provide more information regarding timelines and expected results once we have the information gained during the consultation.
