Have you noticed your child squinting when they try to see things far away? The problem might be myopia, also known as nearsightedness.
But here's the thing: simply updating your child's glasses or regular contact lenses might not be enough to deal with this eye condition.
Below, we explain why managing myopia early on is crucial, and introduce you to two incredible treatments: MiSight and Ortho-K lenses. Our Manhattan Beach & Redondo Beach eye doctors can help manage your child's myopia. Book an appointment with us for comfortable, clear vision.
Understanding Myopia
Myopia is when far away objects appear blurry while close objects are clear. The National Eye Institute estimates that 28.7 million children under the age of 18 in the United States have myopia, and that number is projected to reach 36.7 million by 2050.What many parents aren’t aware of is that kids with high myopia have a greater risk of developing serious eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachments, and macular degeneration in adulthood. That's why it's so important to address myopia early — to reduce these risks and help your child maintain healthy vision in the future.
The Limitation of Glasses and Regular Contact Lenses in Myopia Management
When it comes to nearsightedness, the usual approach is to get stronger glasses or contact lenses as a child’s vision worsens. However, these solutions only provide temporary improvement without getting to the root of the problem. They don't stop myopia from getting worse, and relying solely on them can mean needing even stronger glasses as time goes on. That's why it's crucial to explore alternative treatments that actively manage myopia and promote healthier eyes.
Introducing MiSight: Effective For Myopia Management
MiSight, a special type of soft contact lens created for managing myopia, works differently compared to regular contact lenses. Its unique design is specifically aimed at slowing down the elongation of the eyeball, which is the main factor contributing to the progression of myopia over time.
Exciting studies show that, compared to traditional contact lenses, MiSight lenses can reduce the progression of myopia by more than 50%! This means your child may experience fewer changes in their prescription and have a lower risk of complications due to the myopic defocusing technique used in MiSight 1-day lenses. And here's the real cherry on top: MiSight lenses offer the potential for improved vision without relying on glasses!
So, if you're seeking a proactive approach to managing your child's myopia, MiSight lenses offer a promising solution. Consult with your eye care professional to learn more about MiSight and determine if it's the right choice for your child's myopia management journey.
The Power of Ortho-K in Myopia Management
Ortho-K lenses are another fantastic option for managing your child's myopia. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, granting them clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contacts.
Ortho-K lenses are especially great for kids who can't wear daytime contacts like MiSight or prefer not to wear glasses. With Ortho-K, your child can enjoy their daytime activities without any hassle and experience improved vision.
Clinical trials have shown that Ortho-K contact lenses can reduce myopia progression by up to 56% when compared to traditional prescription lenses, but it is important to mention that for Ortho-K treatment to be effective, your child needs to wear the lenses consistently while they sleep.
Don't hesitate to talk to an optometrist near you. They'll be able to provide you with all the information and guidance you need to make the best decision for your child's eyes.
Myopia Management in the Manhattan Beach Area
As a caring parent, it's essential to take proactive steps in managing your child's myopia for their long-term eye health. Simply relying on updated glasses or contacts may not be enough.
Schedule an appointment with Advanced EyeCare Center to see how we can use MiSight and Ortho-K lenses to manage your child’s myopia, reduce their risks of future eye complications, and enhance their overall visual well-being. We serve patients in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and the larger South Bay Area.