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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, myopia corrections such as corrective lenses or laser vision only focused on treating the symptom of blurriness at distance. Today using myopia control there are actually options that can help slow the actual progression of the disease of myopia instead of just correcting the symptom. 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.

MYOPIA HAS A PHYSICAL CAUSE

Myopia Infographic  | Dittman EyecareMyopia or nearsightedness occurs when the eyeball becomes longer. This causes light rays passing through the lens focus in front of the retina as opposed to directly on top of it. This creates the symptom of images at distance becoming blurry or unclear, causing what we commonly refer to as nearsightedness.
Since myopia affects your child’s ability to see at a distance, causing blurry vision, you may have noticed symptoms such as:
Sitting close to the TV or in front of the classroom.
Lacking interest in sports or activities that require good distance vision.
Squinting and frowning.
Frequent headaches
Holding books or objects closer to their face to see better.
Rubbing eyes
Excessive watering of the eye.

WHY MYOPIA MATTERS

Higher levels of myopia significantly increase your child’s risks for serious eye diseases, like retinal disease and glaucoma. Early intervention is key to slow or even stop the progression of myopia in your child. This chart shows the increased risks of various eye diseases with myopia vs. no myopia
myopia chart  | Dittman Eyecare

MYOPIA CASES INCREASING

In 2020, Myopia cases increased from 1.4 to 3 times more prevalent in school-aged children when compared to cases in the last five years. Myopia in children is reaching epidemic proportions with about half of young adults being myopic, double what it was half a century ago.

CORRECTING THE REFRACTIVE ERROR COMPENSATES FOR THE SYMPTOM OF BLURRINESS FROM MYOPIA
Since myopia is the result of light being improperly focused, we can compensate for the blurriness by correcting the focus point of incoming light. This is usually done with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or laser refractive surgery.

MYOPIA SELF-ASSESSMENT TEST

INTRODUCING MYOPIA CONTROL, A NON-INVASIVE WAY TO POSITIVELY INFLUENCE MYOPIA IN CHILDREN & TEENS
A CLINICALLY PROVEN PROGRAM TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP MYOPIA
Myopia 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.

HOW MYOPIA CONTROL WORKS

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

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.
CORNEAL RESHAPING THERAPY (CRT) AKA ORTHOKERATOLOGY (ORTHO-K)
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 the 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.
SOFT MULTIFOCAL CONTACT LENSES
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.
LOW DOSE ATROPINE EYE DROPS
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.

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA’S LOCAL MYOPIA CONTROL SPECIALISTS

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.

MYOPA MATTERS CLUB

The Myopia Matters Club is the leading myopia control clinic in Western PA. This clinic customizes plans to help prevent your child’s eye from becoming more nearsighted and lessen their risk of developing other eye conditions that myopia can lead to. With each solution customized into a specialized plan for your child, we can effectively and successfully control their myopia for healthier eyesight throughout their lives.

VISIT US FOR A CONSULTATION TO LEARN MORE

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.
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