Myopia Control
By identifying vision problems at an early age, we can treat and prevent future eye conditions for young children.
Myopia progression: what can we do?
Myopia is a common visual condition known as nearsightedness that prevents children from seeing clearly in the distance without glasses. Myopic prescriptions have a minus (-) power in them. Childhood myopia tends to get worse over time and may be associated with early onset cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal complications. There are many options to help prevent harmful eye conditions.
Without treatment, myopia can progress quickly and may lead to a higher risk of sight-threatening diseases.
Myopia progression: what can we do?
Myopia is a common visual condition known as nearsightedness that prevents children from seeing clearly in the distance without glasses. Myopic prescriptions have a minus (-) power in them. Childhood myopia tends to get worse over time and may be associated with early onset cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal complications. There are many options to help prevent harmful eye conditions.
Without treatment, myopia can progress quickly and may lead to a higher risk of sight-threatening diseases.
Understanding
Myopia Control
Screen time and your child's eyes.
The Canadian Guideline for screen time recommends:
- No screen time 1 hour before bed
- Outdoor time minimum 1 hour/day
Time guidelines are as follows:
- For children under 2 years old, screen time is not recommended. The exception is video chatting with caring adults, such as extended family.*
- For children 2 to 5 years old, limit routine or sedentary screen time to about an hour or less per day.*
*Canadian Paediatric Society, 2022
Treating myopia progression.
Below are a few options available to help slow how quickly your child's myopic prescription is progressing.
We most often use:
Glasses
- MiyoSmart 60% reduction in progression
- Age: 6-18
Soft Contacts MiSight/Abiliti
- These are soft contact lenses that are worn while awake at least 6 days a week for 12 hours per day. They have been shown to reduce the rate of myopia progression by ~59%.
- Age and readiness based on parental consent and child readiness.
Less often used:
Eye drops
- We can use a once-a-day eye drop (usually instilled before bed) which has been shown to reduce the rate of myopia progression by ~50%.
- Age: no specific limit, has been used as young as 4 years
- Sunwear is required for outdoor time.
Monitoring treatment success.
How will we monitor the success of the chosen treatment?
We perform prescription checks and measure the length of the eye and the shape of the front of the eye twice a year in office.
We have a global myopia management service that includes:
- Wide field retina scan (Optomap) twice a year
- Axial length of the eye twice a year
- Topography of the front of the eye
Your doctor will review the results with you and your child and advise on the best treatment approach for optimal results.
About Merivale Vision Care
Merivale Vision Care has been a trusted name in Ottawa eye care for over 30 years. Our optometrists provide comprehensive services including eye exams, contact lens fittings, and treatment for dry eye and other conditions, all focusing on personalized, technology-driven care tailored to each patient.
Never compromising quality for style.
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