MYOPIA MANAGEMENT AT LONG ISLAND VISION AND CONTACT LENS SERVICES
______
Myopia, otherwise known as nearsightedness, is a condition which causes objects to appear blurry at a distance, while generally closer objects are much clearer to see. Myopia occurs when the shape of the eye is essentially too long proportionally, so the distance between the cornea and the retina is further than it should be. This means when light enters the eye, it is focused before it reaches the retina, which causes blurred vision. It can also be due to the shape of the cornea or the thickness of the lens inside the eye.
Myopia is one of the most common vision problems worldwide, affecting almost 30% of the American population, and its incidence is increasingly rapidly.
At Long Island Vision and Contact Lens Services, we will begin with a full assessment of your child’s myopia. We will then recommend a personalized treatment plan to slow or even stop your child’s myopia from getting worse to minimize the risks to your child’s long-term vision.
MiSight® 1 day
Features
- Easy to fit, single use lens
- Corrects refractive error and slows the elongation of the eye through ActivControl™ Technology
- Suitable for children as young as 8**
The MiSight® 1 day lens is clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia when initially prescribed for children 8-12 years old. It serves as the cornerstone of a comprehensive myopia management approach.
How MiSight 1 day works
MiSight 1 day with ActivControl™ Technology helps slow the elongation of the eye and myopia progression, while fully correcting refractive error. Addressing axial elongation helps to reduce the risk of myopia-related vision complications later in life, including irreversible vision loss.
- 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
Symptoms and Signs of Myopia
People with myopia will be able to see things up close quite clearly, but struggle to perform tasks that require distance vision, such as driving or watching TV. It is also common for people with diagnosed myopia to experience headaches, eyestrain or eye fatigue when trying to focus on objects that are far away.
Left unmanaged, Myopia can lead to serious sight-threatening eye disease such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and cataract.
Diagnosis of Myopia
A routine eye exam can diagnose near-sightedness. Our specialists will determine the visual acuity of the eye.
Myopia Treatment
The main treatments that are used for effective Myopia Control are:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-k), also known as GVSS (Gentle Vision Shaping System) and CRT
- Specialized soft multifocal contact lenses
Each treatment option has its advantages and disadvantages. After we assess your child’s myopia, we will talk through all the options and develop a treatment plan that works best for your family.
Myopia Management
While there’s no cure for Myopia, there are some treatments which may slow down its progression in children and young teens. This is called Myopia Management.
Myopia can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. At Long Island Vision and Contact Lens Services, we also offer MiSight® 1 day contact lenses which have been proven to slow the progression of Myopia.
If you notice your child is displaying any of the signs or symptoms above, don’t worry – book them in for an eye test at one of our locations and our team will find the best option for you and your child.
Control The Progression Of Your Child’s Myopia.
Book A Myopia Control Appointment
Ortho-k
Orthokeratology – also known as ortho-k, EyeDream or corneal reshaping contact lenses – are specialized gas-permeable lenses worn overnight to gently and safely help reshape the cornea.
Ortho-k allows people suffering from myopia, or short-sightedness, to enjoy a life without lenses or specs during the day, whilst enjoying clear, natural, corrected vision.
Ortho-k is fantastic for children, giving them the freedom to enjoy a life without limitations. Numerous studies have also shown that ortho-k can dramatically slow or even stop the progression of short-sightedness.
Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses
Children lead very active lives and wearing glasses is not always easy. An alternative can be soft multifocal contact lenses.
Worn during the day, these lenses will not only allow to correct distance vision but also, due to their innovative design, they will help your child achieve clear and sharp vision at all distances. Soft contact lenses allow the light entering the eyes from the side of the vision to focus in front of the retina rather than directly onto it. Studies have also proven that this mechanism provides a subtle feedback to the brain to stop elongating the eye. Children who wear soft multifocal contact lenses usually find that their prescription will no longer rapidly worsen.
At your first consultation, we will assess the extent of your child’s myopia, including corneal shape and refractive error. After this assessment, our specialists will recommend the best myopia management treatment options. During this process, patients and parents are encouraged to ask any questions they may have.
Should you choose to proceed with soft multifocal contact lenses, our specialists will determine the exact prescription adjustments required and carefully fit the contact lenses to ensure that they sit correctly and comfortably on your child’s eyes. Your child will immediately be able to see clearly. Over time, your child’s myopia progression will slow or even cease, drastically mitigating the long-term risks to their vision.
If you have a child with myopia, or if it’s simply time for your child’s annual checkup, call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists and learn more about our myopia management program.