What is Myopia?

Myopia (or nearsightedness) is the most common eye disorder that affects millions of children and adults in the country. It is an ocular disorder where the shape of the eye is elongated; this increase in axial length causes a patient to experience blur with distant objects.

Myopia is typically diagnosed in childhood through an annual eye exam and treated with corrective glasses.  Increases in screen time and less outdoor play at younger ages has been correlated to a worldwide increase in the onset and progression of Myopia. Today, our Luxe Myopia Clinic uses several therapeutic techniques to help slow how quickly Myopia increases in childhood. Our practice evaluates each child based on family history of Myopia, eye exam findings and associated risk factors to come up with a Myopia Management plan to help limit progression and decrease risk factors later in life. Our latest Myopia Management technology, Aladdin, creates a map of the shape of the eye and length of the eye to best track Myopia and develop a prevention plan unique to each child.

Long-Term Treatments for a Myopia Diagnosis

According to the Review of Myopia Management, the best course of action to reduce progression is remaining proactive and starting a treatment plan. Myopia Management refers to the long-term treatments taken to reduce juvenile-onset progression in children. A young patient requires personalized treatments that help reduce the patient’s Myopia rather than masking the problem with altered prescriptions. Studies reported showing that if it’s managed correctly, progression can slow by as much as 60%! 

Dr. Angela Blanchard, O.D. and her team recognizes that Myopia Management is the best course of action to ensure a patient is maintaining their levels of Myopia under control and  prescribes specialty contact lenses proven to slow the progression of Myopia for children as young as 8 years old. Some treatment options include Coopervision’s MiSight contact lenses, FDA approved daily wear contact lenses proven to slow how the eyes change in prescription and in length of the eye. Other options include Orthokeratology treatments to reshape the eye and have long term effects of lowering the myopic prescription and Low Dose Atropine, or the use of drops to help slow myopia and changes in length of the eye, can be used independently or along with other contact lens treatments. 

Consult our Bee Cave – Lakeway Eye Doctor today to learn more about figuring out the best action plan for your family’s eye health!