MYOPIA CONTROL
The US has seen a 68% increase in myopia, or nearsightedness, in the last 30 years.
As a parent, it’s alarming to see our children’s vision progressively deteriorate every year. Although genetics contribute to nearsightedness, recent research suggests environmental factors such as increased screen time and decreased outdoor time play an increasingly significant role in myopia progression. Organizations like the American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control as well as research groups across the globe are looking into what can be done to stop a child’s vision from getting worse.
The goal of the Myopia Control Clinic at EyeOptics is to not only correct your child’s vision, but to use an integrated treatment system to slow down how quickly their prescription increases. One type of treatment our office offers is Corneal Reshaping Therapy.
Corneal Reshaping Therapy (also commonly known as orthokeratology, Ortho K, corneal shaping, and corneal molding) uses customized lenses designed to correct nearsightedness. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while sleeping. When the child wakes up in the morning, the lenses are removed, and he or she can enjoy clear vision all day long without glasses or contact lenses. Recent studies have shown that corneal reshaping lenses can slow down or even stabilize the progression of nearsightedness in children.
If you are worried about your child’s nearsightedness worsening, please ask your optometrist about myopia control at your child’s regular eye exam or schedule a consultation with our office. After careful evaluation, your optometrist will determine the best treatment plan for your child’s myopia.