Myopia Control
How Myopia Control Works
Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common refractive error that affects a growing number of individuals worldwide. It is typically caused by the eye being too long or having an overly curved cornea, which results in light entering the eye and focusing in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This leads to blurred vision at distance, which can impact daily activities. Myopia control methods aim to reduce the rate at which the eye elongates. Multifocal contact lenses work by redistributing light entering the eye, so that different parts of the retina experience different levels of visual input. This manipulation of peripheral defocus helps slow the elongation of the eye, thereby reducing the rate of myopia progression. Two options are available which include Biofinity multifocal monthly replacement or MiSight daily replacement. MiSight is the only FDA approved lens for myopia control.
Pros: Comfortable, monthly and daily disposable option, non-invasive, high oxygen permeability for ocular health, providing children with an improved quality of life and improved performance with athletic activities.
Cons: Risks of infection (as with all soft CLs), fluctuating vision possible, not effective with high amounts of astigmatism, required maintenance for ocular health.
HOW MISIGHT WORKS
Two treatment zones create myopic defocus with image focus in front of the retina, rather than behind it to slow axial elongation
Two correction zones correct myopia in all gaze positions
For more information on MiSight please Click Here!
Atropine eye drops
Topical atropine is a medicine used to dilate the pupil and temporarily relax the eye’s focusing mechanism and has been used in myopia control for years.
Benefits of Low Dose Atropine
Slow myopia progression
Minimal side effects: the typical side effects seen at higher doses—such as light sensitivity and blurred near vision—are significantly reduced at the 0.01% concentration, making it more acceptable for children to use daily.
Convenience: low-dose atropine treatment is administered as a single drop daily, typically in the evening before bedtime. This simplicity in dosing makes the treatment easy to integrate into daily routines, encouraging better adherence to the prescribed regimen.
Long term safety: clinical studies have demonstrated that long-term use of low-dose atropine is safe, with minimal adverse effects on visual acuity and eye health
Clinical Evidence
The Atropine for the Treatment of Myopia (ATOM) study demonstrated that 0.01% atropine is effective in reducing the progression of myopia in children by about 50%, with minimal side effects. Other studies have also confirmed the safety and effectiveness of low-dose atropine, making it a well-established treatment option for myopia management.
Please contact our office today or schedule online if you’d be interested in starting treatment for your child.