Stop My Child From Getting Nearsighted
Increasing Prevalence of Nearsightedness Underscores the Need for Control and Treatments.
The incidence of myopia in children has increased significantly over the past several decades. This was according to researchers who discussed the topic at both the American Academy of Optometry and the Global Specialty Lens Symposium.
Citing a 2009 study in the Archives of Ophthalmology, presenters reported there has been a 17% increase in the amount of nearsightedness (myopia) as well as a 42% increase in the number of people with nearsightedness in the US.
“We in the eye care community have been searching for the Holy Grail-preventing myopia,” said Pat Caroline, FAAO, “We have found some clinical strategies that have done well and some that have not fared well.”
Several promising studies to slow the increase in nearsightedness have been done with multifocal contact lenses. According to Caroline in Optometry and Vision Science, Walline and colleagues reported a 50% reduction in myopia progression when children wore soft multifocal contact lenses. Though a complex and not completely understood process the bifocal contact lens prevents the stimulus that makes the eye grow longer and hence more nearsighted. To be able to prevent a child from becoming highly nearsighted greatly reduces the risk that they will become blind as an adult. Higher levels of myopia can induce conditions such as retinal detachments and macular degeneration.
Another promising study by Chia and colleagues, published in Ophthalmology and the American Journal of Ophthalmology, found that using a drop of atropine 0.01% daily reduced myopia by 59%. Although, more recently, we’re finding that 0.05% atropine is more affective.
Alex Hui, OD, PhD, FAAO, a researcher with the Center for Contact Lens Research presented studies where a combination of bifocal contact lenses and atropine had been used together. While studies are ongoing with the best way to use this combined technology Hui concluded, “You can envision a child wearing a lens that has been preloaded with a particular drug where they get the doses that they need to control the myopia pharmacologically… as well as using the bifocals through out the course of the day”
The Doctors of Eyecare Associates of Lees Summit have been following the advances of myopia control for several years. Until recently the expense was a major factor for parents initiating myopia control techniques for their children. Fortunately new advances have made it affordable for all families and we are excited to make it available to our patients. With the ability to use an inexpensive drop or a multifocal contact lens to slow the progression of myopia we can help reduce the risk on many diseases as our children grow into middle age.
Dr. Doug Herriott with Eyecare Associates of Lees Summit notes that these techniques do not work for everyone. He notes it is important to screen for those who are most likely to be successful and to set realistic expectations for parents. He concludes, “it is very exciting to have these new tools that will help give my patients a lifetime of healthy vision.”
If you would like more information about myopia control techniques please ask us at your next appointment or Google “myopia Control”. Or text or call 816-524-8900 today to set up an appointment with one of our doctors.
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Schedule an appointment with one of our doctors to review your unique needs; want to slow down myopia in your child, schedule them with Dr. Pachy who specializes in myopia management.
Our skilled team can help you see more clearly for life! Call or Text us 816-524-8900 or schedule your eye exam online today.
Posted January 2015.
