Myopia Control
Lindsey Behrendt, OD, FAAO
Has your child’s prescription gotten stronger year after year?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is increasing in prevalence and has been recently named as the “myopic epidemic.” Currently, one-third of the US population has been diagnosed with nearsighted vision. Myopia is expected to increase in the US and globally over the next thirty years.
Risk factors for myopia onset and progression include:
- Age of the patient upon the initial onset
- Ethnicity (with patients of Asian descent at the greatest risk)
- Parental myopia
- Time spent outdoors (the more the better)
- Time spent performing near work such as reading and digital device use (more time performing near tasks results in greater myopia)
Single vision glasses and contact lenses may be used to correct blurred vision associated with this refractive error. However, as myopia increases, the future risk of eye conditions, such as retinal detachments, glaucoma, and macular disease processes, increases. Delaying or preventing myopia can reduce the risk of the associated eye conditions.
Simple strategies can be used to manage and slow down the progression of nearsighted vision. These strategies include:
Studies show these myopia control approaches can slow myopia by at least 50%. Additional research may be viewed at Brien Holden Vision Institute.
Our doctors at Exclusively Eyecare are considered experts when it comes to slowing down the progression of nearsightedness. All patients are screened for myopia and its associated progression during their comprehensive annual examinations. If you have any additional questions or would like to begin a myopia control option for your child, please contact us today!
Check out the videos below to learn more about myopia and how we can manage it!
Protecting Your Child’s PotentialChildren with myopia can suffer both academically and socially.
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What is Myopia?This video highlights the causes, symptoms, and the alarming statics surrounding the global myopia epidemic.
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Patient TestimonialsThis video tells the story of the powerful role that myopia control plays in patient’s lives.
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