What is Myopia?

Myopia is a common eye condition often known as Nearsightedness or Short-sightedness, which means that objects in the distance are blurry, while objects up close are clear.

A myopic eye is longer than a non-myopic eye, this is due to an elongation of the axial length.(Axial length is the distance from the front to the back of the eye.)

This results in light rays focusing at a point in front of the retina rather than directly on the retina.

What Causes Myopia?

The exact cause of myopia is not known, but it is believed that there are multiple environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of myopia.

Myopia typically begins in childhood when eyes are growing and developing. Early intervention is important for slowing the progression of myopia. Most treatments take place during childhood to early adulthood.

GENETICS

• Family history plays into the chances of a child developing myopia.

• If both parents don’t have myopia, the chance is still 1 in 4.

• If both parents do have myopia, it increases the chances by 6 times.

LIFESTYLE / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Less time outside and reduced Vitamin D intake increases the risk.

• Too much time spend doing near work (e.g., computer screens, phones, video games).

• Spending time doing near work in poor lighting or low lighting. (Your parents weren't lying to you!)

How is Myopia Treated/Managed?

Myopia is becoming more common and severe:

“In the early 1970s, only 25% of Americans were nearsighted. Today, more than 40% of Americans have myopia, and that number is increasing at an alarming rate, especially among school-age children. By 2050, 58% of the North American population is predicted to be myopic.”

It is important that myopia has early interventions of treatment. Historically, myopia was considered just a refractive error. However, more recent research categorizes it as an eye condition or disease, which can lead to:

• Retinal detachment

• Myopic maculopathy

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

Three Methods for Treating Myopia:

• MiSight

• Ortho-Keratology

• Atropine Therapy

MiSight

MiSight is a soft contact lens that has ActivControl® Technology. It uses vision correction zones and treatment zones within the lens to slow the elongation of the eyeball.

How effective is MiSight?

• 59% average reduction in myopia progression

• Nearly 90% of children preferred MiSight lenses over glasses

• 90%+ of parents rated their children happy with MiSight lenses

MiSight is the only FDA-approved method of Myopia Management. It is recommended that the treatment begins in children ages 8-12, because that is when it has been proven to be most effective to correct the myopia and slow the progression.

Ortho-Keratology (Ortho-K)

Custom-designed contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea, improving vision and treating myopia.

How does Ortho-K work?

“The lenses work by flattening the center of the cornea, changing how light is bent as it enters the eye. Most Orthokeratology lenses are worn overnight to flatten the cornea, then removed during the day. These overnight lenses are rigid, gas-permeable lenses that are sturdy enough to reshape the cornea, but also allows oxygen through so your eye stays healthy” - American Academy of Opthalmology

The lens forms a vault of fluid over the eye, causing some parts of the cornea to take in more fluid and some parts to take in less, changing the shape of the cornea and temporarily correcting curvature issues.

With Ortho-K, your daytime vision is clear without having to wear glasses or contacts. This method of Myopia Management is best for children as early as 6 years old, as well as athletes.

Atropine Therapy

What is Atropine?

• Atropine is a medicine, often used in the form of an eye drop

• When used with 1% concentration, it dilates the pupil and inhibits eye focusing

• Used for treating children’s vision, amblyopia (lazy eye), and other eye diseases

Atropine 1% concentration initially was very effective in slowing myopia progression, however it had significant side effects of increased light sensitivity and blurred near vision. New studies showed that 0.01%-0.05% has minimal side effects and still slows the progression of Myopia.

It is important to note that Atropine Therapy (unlike MiSight and Ortho-K) do not correct vision during the day, it only slows the progression of Myopia. Patients will still need to wear some sort of eyewear correction.

Is it safe?

Atropine has proved to be safe for children to use, if used as prescribed, for up to three years. The only potential for toxic interactions are when Atropine is taken by mouth. When Atropine is in an eye drop, it has been diluted significantly so it no longer has the potential for toxicity.