Treating Childhood Myopia: What Are Your Options?

Experts project myopia or nearsightedness to become a significant health concern in the near future. Studies predict that by 2050, nearly half of the world’s population will be affected by myopia. Fortunately, early vision therapy and treatment can slow down the progression of myopia, which usually starts in childhood

Your kid’s treatment options include

Atropine Eye Drop

Studies conducted between 1989 and 2010 have shown that atropine eye drops can reduce the progression of myopia in children by an average of 81%, at least for the first year of treatment. The effectiveness of the eye drops dramatically decreased after just a year. The lack of knowledge about the side-effects of long-term use, combined with this short-term effectiveness, is the primary reason why eye doctors rarely prescribe this form of treatment

Ortho-k or Corneal Reshaping Contact Lense

Orthokeratology is a form of vision therapy wherein patients go to bed while wearing gas-permeable contact lenses. Studies suggest these lenses suppress eyeball elongation, helping slow the progression of myopia children well into adulthood

You might also be interested in a recent breakthrough in myopia treatment: The Food and Drug Administration recently approved first contact lenses for myopia control treatment in children aged between 8 and 12. Unlike ortho-k lenses, however, the MiSight contact lens is not yet available on the market and can’t be worn while sleeping

The Importance of Early Myopia Treatmen

Later on in adulthood, myopia can worsen and lead to several vision problems, such as early cataracts or a detached retina. That’s why early detection and treatment using the latest techniques and technology are important. The sooner your child’s myopia can be treated, the better. In light of the need for access to the latest technology and knowledge in myopia treatment, Insight Vision Center has partnered with Treehouse Eyes®, the country’s leading myopia management service

For further inquiries, you can call us at (714) 486-3315 or leave us a message here. We offer a wide range of professional eye care services, including scleral lenses. We serve homeowners in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa, CA, as well as the surrounding communities