The good news is that we have several clinical methods to manage myopia in children effectively. These methods are designed to slow down the progression of myopia, thus reducing the risks of developing more severe eye conditions in the future.
One of the first lines of defense against myopia progression in children is the use of specialized spectacle lenses - expertly designed to manage myopia.
While standard single-vision lenses correct the current level of myopia, they do not address its progression. These lenses are typically prescribed for clear-distance vision but do not offer any myopia control benefits.
In fact, single vision correction of myopia can lead to peripheral hyperopic defocus, potentially driving axial growth of the eye.
Effectiveness: Under-correction was once thought to slow myopia progression, but evidence shows it offers no benefit and may even accelerate progression. Therefore, regular eye exams to ensure full correction for myopes are recommended.
Hoya Miyosmart lenses are an innovative solution that utilizes a technology called D.I.M.S. (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments).
These lenses have a central optical zone for clear vision and multiple defocus segments throughout the lens, which have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children.
Here’s how Hoya Miyosmart lenses can manage myopia in children.
Effectiveness: Myopia progression measured by refraction slowed by 59%, and axial length growth reduced by 60% compared to single vision lenses.
Essilor Stellest lenses are another advanced option, employing the 'H.A.L.T. technology,' which creates a volume of signal that guides the eye towards less elongation, thus slowing down the progression of myopia.
These lenses are crafted to provide clear vision and myopia control simultaneously.
Effectiveness: It showed a 67% refractive and 60% axial length control effect compared to single-vision lenses.
Beyond glasses, contact lenses have been developed with myopia management in mind. Unlike traditional contacts, these lenses utilize innovative designs to change the way light focuses on the retina. They can even reshape the cornea and control the elongation of the eye.
These are soft contact lenses that correct vision and have been clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia in children. They work by creating a 'myopic defocus' that signals the eye to grow in a manner that slows down myopia progression.
CooperVision's MiSight® are:
Here’s how the CooperVision's MiSight® soft lenses work.
Adapting to contact lenses can take some time, and it's crucial for children to have proper guidance and support throughout this process.
Therefore, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive training on lens use and care, ensuring that your child feels confident and comfortable with their new lenses.
Effectiveness: 59% reduction in refractive progression and 52% less axial length growth over three years compared to single vision lenses.
Orthokeratology, often known as Ortho-K or Eyedream, is a revolutionary non-surgical procedure that uses specially designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea and reduce myopia.
Worn overnight, these lenses gently mold the cornea's surface, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Ortho-K lenses are particularly appealing for children who participate in sports or other activities where glasses and contacts might be a hindrance. The fact that these lenses are only worn at night means that the risk of eye infections associated with daytime contact lens wear is minimized.
Here’s how Orthokeratology works.
Effectiveness: Clinical trials show about 50% efficacy in slowing myopia progression. But real-world effectiveness may be higher, with significant reduction in progression noted in individual cases.
Red light therapy is an emerging myopia management strategy gaining attention for its non-invasive nature and ease of use.
The Eyerising Myopia Management Device, for example, uses specific wavelengths of low-level red light to potentially influence eye growth and myopia progression.
The premise of red light therapy is that certain wavelengths of light can have bioactive effects on the tissues of the eye. Specifically, it's thought that low-level red light could stimulate the release of dopamine in the retina, which is known to play a role in eye growth and myopia development.
Effectiveness: Up to 87.7% efficacy in controlling refraction and 76.6% in axial length compared to single-vision glasses. Significant axial length shortening was observed in a substantial proportion of children.
In some cases, pharmacological interventions may be recommended as part of a comprehensive myopia management plan. These are typically reserved for cases where myopia is progressing rapidly or other methods have not been effective.
Atropine eye drops, particularly in low doses such as 0.01%, have been studied extensively for their ability to slow the progression of myopia. The drops are believed to dilate the pupils and relax the eye's focusing mechanism; hence, reducing the stress that contributes to eyeball elongation.
Low-dose atropine is often considered a safe and effective option for myopia management. Its use requires close monitoring by an eye care professional to ensure optimal dosing and to monitor for any potential side effects like stinging sensation, sensitivity to bright light, eye redness, and others.
Effectiveness: Low doses (0.01%-0.05%) have shown to be clinically useful and safe in slowing myopia progression, but the optimal dosage and treatment duration are yet to be established. It is also not licensed for myopia control in the UK.
At Eyecare Opticians, we understand the significance of personalized myopia management. With our expertise and advanced diagnostic tools, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for your child's vision. We tailor our approach to each child's needs, ensuring that we correct their current vision and control the progression of myopia.
One of the critical factors in managing myopia is measuring the axial length of the eye. We use state-of-the-art equipment to accurately measure the length of the eye. This measurement is crucial as it helps us track the progression of myopia and the effectiveness of the treatment plan.
Understanding the axial length also enables us to compare your child's measurements against age-matched norms. This comparison is vital because it helps us determine how your child's myopia is progressing relative to their peers. Our goal is to ensure that we are proactive in our approach, taking the necessary steps to manage myopia effectively.
Contact us to learn more about how to manage your child’s myopia.
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