August 13, 2024

What Treatments Are Used In Myopia Management?

Eye doctors who determine that a child has myopia (nearsightedness) often prescribe eyeglasses or standard contact lenses. While these vision correction tools help the child see better, they cannot slow myopia's progression. By using the…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

Eye doctors who determine that a child has myopia (nearsightedness) often prescribe eyeglasses or standard contact lenses. While these vision correction tools help the child see better, they cannot slow myopia’s progression. By using the most advanced myopia management methods, Opto-Mization can help your child slow myopia progression and reduce the risks of developing vision-robbing ocular diseases later in life.

This page will help you understand the different myopia treatment options and their associated benefits.

What Is Myopia Management?

Myopia begins in childhood and unless its progression is slowed, a child can become very nearsighted by early adulthood. It is not a static condition. By the time you take your child for their next eye exam, their level of nearsightedness will have likely increased.

The goal of myopia management is to slow down its progression, because myopia increases the risk of eventually developing eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment and macular degeneration. The higher the progression of myopia, the greater the risk. The earlier your child begins myopia management, even for mild myopia, the greater the benefits.

If you?re concerned that your child’s vision is deteriorating rapidly, contact Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy today. We can help.

orthok for treatment

What Are the Myopia Management Treatment Methods?

Ortho-K/Orthokeratology

Also known under the following terms:

  • Gentle Shaping Vision System (GVSS)
  • Corneal Reshaping Therapy (CRT)
  • Vision Shaping Therapy (VST)
  • Corneal Molding (CM)

Ortho-k is proven to significantly decrease the rate of myopia progression by gently reshaping the cornea with a specialized custom-fit contact lens that needs to be worn overnight. By the morning, the corneal elongation that causes nearsightedness is greatly reduced. This temporary reshaping provides clear vision the following day, without any need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Atropine Drops

Atropine is a medication that can treat a variety of conditions and complications. Today, it is most commonly used to dilate the pupils for certain eye exams.

Recent research shows that low-dose atropine eye drops can effectively slow down myopia progression in children. When 0.01% atropine eye drops are applied at bedtime over an extended period of time, myopia progression can be mitigated.

Because atropine does not correct vision, optometrists often prescribe the drops in combination with eyeglasses, and it’s frequently used to complement other methods of myopia management.

Multifocal Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses correct higher levels of myopia and are known to be very comfortable. They provide clear central and peripheral vision, and many people don?t even feel that they are wearing them.

Multifocal contact lenses focus light correctly across all areas onto your retina, improving peripheral vision. The center of the contact lens enables the wearer to focus on distant objects that appear blurry to a nearsighted person, while the outer zone enables near objects to be seen more clearly.

How To Choose the Right Myopia Treatment?

If your child has myopia, it is recommended that they undergo myopia management in some form or another. The suitability of orthokeratology or multifocal lenses depends largely on the age of the child and his/her maturity level and lifestyle. In general, children can wear contact lenses from the age of 8.

One factor to consider is the level of nearsightedness. If the refraction level is too high, corneal reshaping may not be as effective. Consult with the optometrists at Opto-Mization to determine whether your child’s prescription can be managed with ortho-k.

Lifestyle is a major consideration. A child who likes to play outdoors may find eyeglasses to be a nuisance, or dusty environments irritating when wearing contact lenses. For these children, ortho-k is probably the better choice.

If you opt for a corrective solution (glasses or contact lenses), consider using atropine drops. They are perfectly suited for young children and have few to no side effects.

Not sure which option to go with? Speak with an optometrist, who will advise you on the best myopia treatment for your child.

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

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Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z7
Phone
(250) 590-7384
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250-412-6459
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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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  • 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.