Written by True Eye Experts
Myopia is the lengthening of the eyeball, which results in nearsightedness and the need for vision correction such as glasses or contact lenses. Myopia control prevents the progression of myopia by slowing the lengthening of the eye in children and teens. This not only keeps children’s prescriptions low so that their sight is protected for the future, but also reduces the risk for ocular diseases later in life, such as:
Myopia has been steadily increasing in the U.S over the years and now affects around 30% of children and teens. It is one of the most common sight problems we encounter on a day to day basis. Here are the different levels of myopia:
While the degree of myopia varies from child to child and depends on when we begin a myopia control program, our goal is to keep their myopia within the mild range or lower if possible. Myopia control is so important for children because the developmental years are when the eyes change the most. This can lead to high prescriptions and a higher chance of developing these sight-threatening diseases in the future.
How Do You Control Myopia?
It is important to have regular comprehensive eye exams for your child to evaluate the progression of myopia and determine if they need treatment. Some of the myopia control methods we may recommend are:
Orthokeratology (“Ortho-K”) or Corneal Refractive Therapy
These are specialized overnight contact lenses that reshape the cornea as your child sleeps. This slows down the rate of myopia and also gives your child clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. This is an ongoing treatment that requires the nightly use of specialized lenses.
Atropine Drops
These diluted drops also slow down the progression of myopia and are especially effective on children with high prescriptions when used in combination with Ortho-K.
Multifocal contact lenses or eyeglasses
These specialty contact lenses are similar to Ortho-K in that they can slow myopia, but these are used during the day. Multifocal eyeglasses can also assist in preventing myopia increase, especially when used for reading or using the computer.
Our eye doctors will create a customized myopia control program for your child that uses one or more of the above treatments to safeguard their vision for the future. Schedule an appointment today to see how one of our eye doctors can help you protect your children’s eyes!
Our mission at True Eye Experts is simple — provide the best possible care to our patients. We make sure we’re doing this a few different ways. Our V-Eye-P Exam is one of the most comprehensive eye exams in the industry. We use state-of-the-art medical technology to screen, diagnose, and treat more conditions than most other providers in the area. We have an extensive collection of designer eyewear that can complement any patient’s face, style, and budget, and our advanced contact lens fitting process can help even “hard-to-fit” patients wear contacts comfortably. Book an appointment online at one of our True Eye Experts locations, conveniently located throughout Central Florida. Have questions or prefer to book over the phone? Give us a call today.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Symptoms, Treatment & More
Ultraviolet Light and Your Eyes
"I have been getting my eyes checked by Dr. Samuel Teske for years. He is very thorough and thoughtful. The staff is also very professional and attentive. Highly recommend True Eye Experts!"
Everyone at this office is very friendly, helpful, and professional, whether it's helping you buy new frames, being fitted for glasses, or just interacting at the front desk. If something is wrong with my glasses, they are quick to remedy the situation. I would highly recommend this office for all your eye care needs!"
"Dr. Randich is personable and thorough. She spends time educating her patients with warmth and genuine concern. Staff is always friendly, helpful, and quick!"
"Staff was very professional, and the eye exam used the latest technologies. Very impressed with all that was done to check my eyes. Great experience!"
I had an emergency and needed to be seen as soon as possible. They fit me in right away and got my injury addressed and on the road to recovery! The staff is so professional and caring! Everyone had a smile on their faces & was welcoming. Thank you so very much for everything! – Kristen L.
