Myopia Control

myopia control medications

MEDICATIONS

After many years of clinical research, a commonly used medication called low-dose atropine, has been found to slow the progression of myopia. By using these drops twice per day, the progression of nearsightedness can be slowed.

 

contact lenses for myopia control

CONTACT LENSES

A highly specialized design of contact lens has been shown to slow the progression of myopia. By adjusting the focus on the back of the eye, these contact lenses, either alone, or in conjunction with medications, can slow the progression of myopia.

 

eyeglasses to slow the progression of myopia

EYEGLASSES

Bifocal eyeglasses, similar to those used for adults when they reach the age of “presbyopia” can be used to reduce myopia progression. These lenses are specially designed for children, and can be used in conjunction with other myopia control strategies.

 

A note from Dr. Lipschultz

More than likely you are visiting this page because your doctor has recommended myopia control therapy for your child. Hopefully the information within this page will provide you the answers you need to make an informed decision.  If you have any other questions, please contact us at your convenience, and we will respond to the best of our ability.

Dr. Lipschultz

MYOPIA CONTROL

What is Myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is defined as blurry distance vision (beyond 20 feet), and is caused by the focusing power of the eye being “too strong.” When myopia is present, far away vision is blurry and the vision improves the closer the person gets to the viewed image. Some doctors like to describe myopia as when the eye is “slightly larger” than it’s supposed to be. In fact, myopia can arise from A) the eye being too long, B) the focusing power of the cornea being too strong, C) the lens inside the eye being too strong, or D) a combination of all of the above!

What is Myopia Control?

The doctors of Southland Eye provide Myopia Control for our young myopic patients.  Myopia Control is the evidence-based treatment of children with nearsightedness (myopia). Children typically develop myopia in their early school years and often increase in myopia until they reach early adulthood. During this crucial period of growth, various treatments can be initiated in an attempt to slow down the progression of myopia.

Southland Eye’s Myopia Clinic

After a comprehensive eye exam and a confirmed diagnosis, schedule an appointment for a Myopia Control consultation. During the consultation, your doctor will obtain several key pieces of data, and review the status of your child’s vision, and then make recommendations as to what options best fit the goals of the parents and child in question.

How Myopia Control Works

Once  your child’s basic eye exam is completed, your doctor will schedule a myopia control evaluation and data collection visit. This visit establishes the baseline data (starting point) for your therapy.  Your doctor will then thoroughly discuss the available strategies for your child. In general, our preferences for therapy are as follows:

  • Preferred: Medications (low-dose atropine)
  • Bifocal contact lenses (may not be an option for some children)
  • Orthokeratology (corneal moulding – may not be an option for some children)
  • Eyeglasses with special bifocals

Your doctor will review the plan, and associated costs, and initiate therapy.

Follow-ups: You will be scheduled for follow-ups every 4 months to monitor and adjust therapies, if needed.

QUESTIONS?

Contact Us and we’ll reply as soon as possible!

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