August 13, 2024

Is Myopia Management Worth The Financial Investment?

By now, you?re probably aware of the health benefits associated with myopia management ? a  [minimized] risk of future eye disease and vision loss. But some parents still hesitate to provide their child with myopia…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

Is Myopia Management Worth The Financial Investment 640?350By now, you?re probably aware of the health benefits associated with myopia management ? a  [minimized] risk of future eye disease and vision loss.

But some parents still hesitate to provide their child with myopia management because they?re concerned about the cost.

Here?s the kicker: although myopia treatments cost more in the short term, they may actually save you money in the long run!

If your child’s prescription frequently changing, the eye care professionals at Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance in Victoria can preserve their vision?now and for the future.

But First, Why is Myopia Management Important?

In case you haven?t heard the news about myopia management, we?ll break it down for you.

Myopia (nearsightedness) happens when a child?s eye grows too long and causes light to focus on the wrong area of the eye. As the eye grows longer and your child?s myopia worsens, they may need a new lens prescription as often as once or twice a year.

Traditionally, childhood myopia is corrected using glasses or contact lenses, but this doesn’t address the underlying cause of nearsightedness: eye elongation.

Myopia management treatments stop or slow the progression of myopia by slowing the rate of eye elongation. As a result, their prescription stabilizes or increases minimally.

Here?s why that?s so important:

When the eye elongates, it stretches and puts pressure on the retina in the back of the eye. This delicate retinal tissue is responsible for sending images to the brain that result in clear vision.  When the retina stretches, it?s prone to damage.

For this reason, a child with myopia is significantly more likely to suffer from sight-threatening diseases and conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and retinal detachment later in life.

Is Myopia Management Worth the Money?

Simply put, yes.

A 2022 study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology [analyzed] the long-term costs of having a myopic child who undergoes myopia management versus having one who doesn?t.

The study concluded that myopia management does indeed save a significant amount of money in the long run, for a few reasons.

Children who are given myopia management treatments tend to have lower prescriptions in adulthood and require far fewer prescription changes. High-prescription lenses are more expensive than other prescriptions.

More importantly, children who?ve had their myopia progression slowed are less likely to experience vision loss and the emotional and financial toll it entails.

Myopia Management in Victoria

At Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance, we educate parents and children about the risks that accompany childhood myopia, and offer treatments to reduce those risks.

We offer the latest in myopia management and will be happy to guide you through the process. Together, we?ll determine which method of treatment is best suited to your child?s eyes and lifestyle.

To schedule your child?s myopia consultation, call Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance in Victoria today!

Our practice serves patients from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions with Scott Irvine, O.D.

Q: What are the risk factors for developing myopia?

A: Risk factors for developing myopia include having myopic parents, not spending enough time outdoors in the sunlight, excessive screen time and other ?near work,? and certain health conditions and ethnicities. To find out if your child is at risk of developing myopia, call Opto-mization NeuroVisual Performance today.

Q: When does myopia stabilize?

A: Myopia tends to stabilize in the early-to-mid 20?s when the body stops growing. This is because the eye grows with the entire body and will continue to elongate as the body grows. In some cases, myopia will worsen well into adulthood. That?s why myopia management can also be appropriate for older teens and young adults.

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Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z7
Phone
(250) 590-7384
Fax
250-412-6459
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  • Monday:
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  • Tuesday:
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  • Thursday:
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  • Saturday:
    8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday:
    Closed
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Out of 265 Reviews
Our Nanaimo Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
205-1825 Bowen Rd
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
Phone
(250) 591-0270
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Thursday:
    11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Friday:
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    Closed
  • Sunday:
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Rating
4.9
Out of 59 Reviews

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  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.