Lloydminster's First Myopia Management Clinic
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a prevalent vision condition affecting many residents of Lloydminster. At Violet Eyes Optometry, we are committed to providing comprehensive eye care to manage and treat myopia effectively.
Myopia happens when the eye shape causes light rays to bend incorrectly, focusing images in front of the retina rather than on it. This results in distant objects appearing blurry while close objects remain clear. Myopia can develop gradually or rapidly and is often first noticed in childhood. Common symptoms include difficulty seeing distant objects, squinting, and eye strain.
Our experienced optometrists conduct thorough eye examinations to diagnose myopia. We offer a range of corrective options, including prescription glasses and contact lenses, to enhance vision clarity, and also Myopia Control options, to slow down the progression of myopia.
Maintaining regular eye check-ups is essential in managing myopia effectively. Our optometrists are dedicated to providing personalized care to ensure ideal eye health for children of all ages.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia is when the light that enters the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of at the retina, causing blurry vision at farther distances. It typically starts in childhood and progresses over time.
Myopia can be hereditary, spontaneous, and/or a product of our environment (risk factors include extended near tasks, screen time and decreased time outdoors). Traditionally, myopia is treated with glasses and/or contact lenses.
Why Do We Want to Slow It Down?
We want to slow down myopia because
-
Higher myopia is associated with increased eye disease risk, such as retinal tears, detachments, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.
-
Every -1.00 Diopter change of a myopic prescription = 60% increased risk of myopic maculopathy (vision-threatening).
-
-
Higher prescriptions in glasses cause heavier lenses, thicker glasses, and the need for specialty lenses
-
Increased dependence on glasses/contacts and decreased quality of life.
-
As an adult, high myopia may limit career choices and not be able to correct with laser vision surgery.
How do we Control Myopia?
While there is no cure for myopia, we can try to slow down the rate of progression. We want to try and decrease the amount a child's prescription changes each year. The goal is not to stop it but to reduce how high it gets. Depending on the child, their age, and on their eye exam, your doctor may suggest 1 or more methods to slow down their myopia.
Treatment is usually continued until age 18 or schooling is complete. The younger the child the more likely we are to have good success. It is recommended children spend 2 hours outside per day, and reduce time on digital devices.
Who Needs Myopia Control?
We can measure the length of the eye to determine who is most at risk, as well as genetic risks. We recommend children with any amount of nearsightedness consider myopia control to reduce their health risks and overall prescription amount when they are older.
Treatment Solution for Myopia
We use many treatment options to control Myopia, including multiple brands of glasses and contact lenses. (Miyosmart, Stellest, & Misight available)
SPECIALTY GLASSES
Myopia control glasses have special areas in the lens that defocus light to trick the eye into not growing further. They are worn daily like normal glasses and still provide comfortable, clear vision. They use something called D.I.M.S. technology to slow down myopia on average by 60%.
MEDICATED COMPOUNDED EYE DROPS
Atropine drops are instilled into a child's eyes at bedtime once a day. They are compounded by a special pharmacy. Side effects can include light sensitivity, burning upon instillation, glare, and blurry near vision. They are known to slow myopic progression by 30-50%.
DAYTIME SOFT CONTACT LENSES
Soft specialty contact lenses can change how light is focused on the back of the eye. Depending on your child's glasses prescription, either monthly multifocal lenses (reusable) or daily disposable (single-use) lenses will be recommended. It is recommended to wear these lenses at least 6 days a week. On average, these contacts slow myopia by 50-59%.
OVERNIGHT HARD CONTACT LENSES
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is the use of hard contact lenses that a child wears while they are sleeping. They reshape the front surface of the eye, slowing myopia and also reducing the dependence on glasses in the daytime.
How Do We Know It Is Working?
Children in treatment are seen 3-4 times per year to check that their prescription is stable. We can measure the length of their eye (A Scan) on a MYAH machine.
Call us today to learn more about myopia and its treatment.
