Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is one of the most common, easily-corrected refractive errors. Myopia is incredibly common in Canada, affecting nearly 30% of the population. It typically surfaces during childhood, becoming increasingly worse as children grow up, before levelling out in the 20’s.
Could your child benefit from myopia control? Speak to your optometrist during their next appointment.
Myopia control is a term used to describe specific treatments aimed at slowing the progression of myopia (nearsightedness). When myopia control is discussed, it’s usually in reference to methods used by your eye doctor to reduce the rate at which your child’s myopia is increasing.
High levels of myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Myopia is a common refractive error that affects distance vision. It occurs when the eye is too long, or the cornea is too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. This causes blurry vision, but it can be corrected using glasses or contact lenses.
Myopia typically worsens over time, so children with myopia often require stronger prescriptions as they grow up.
Myopia can affect your children both inside and outside the classroom. Symptoms and indicators of myopia in children can include squinting, excessive blinking, frequent headaches, and difficulty seeing distant objects, like the whiteboard at school.
We strive to help your children manage myopia at a young age to set them up for success in all facets of life. Your child’s vision is precious, and we want to help preserve it with a variety of myopia control methods.
Myopic eyes change continually throughout childhood, typically causing this refractive error to worsen over time, unless it’s controlled. Myopia can be controlled using a variety of methods, including atropine drops, specialized contact lenses, and glasses. However, not all patients respond effectively to all treatments, which is why Arc Eye Care offers several forms of myopia.
According to a recent study published in Nature, low dose atropine drops are one of the most effective forms of myopia control. Low dose atropine can effectively slow myopia’s progression while allowing patients to avoid the side effects of light sensitivity associated with higher concentration drops.
Studies show that peripheral vision is a major factor in myopia and eye growth. Peripheral hyperopia, which causes light to focus behind the retina, causes the eyes to become longer making myopia worse. Peripheral defocus contact lenses can effectively control myopia in some patients. These contact lenses work by trading clear peripheral vision in exchange for clear central vision.
Progressive multifocal and bifocal glasses can help slow myopia progression in some children. These glasses work by providing clear distance vision through the top portion of the lens, as well as clear near vision through the lower portion. By reducing the near prescription, these glasses can eliminate near focus strain on the eyes, effectively controlling myopia.
Want to learn more about myopia control? Speak to your optometrist during your next appointment.
We are conveniently located on the corner of Eglinton Avenue West and Erin Mills Parkway, on the ground floor of the Arc condominium building, across the street from the Credit Valley Hospital. Parking is available at the base of the building. Please contact our office for more information.
To serve you better, we are open late on Mondays – Fridays until 7:00 pm. We also offer Saturday appointments.
We direct bill to most insurance companies, contact us to find out more.
Arc Eye Care
