Myopia Management
Myopia Management
Myopia, also known as “near-sightedness”, is becoming more and more prevalent in children. Myopia is determined, in large part, by the length of the eye, and often worsens as the child grows. We are discovering that in the more progressive forms of myopia there are both genetic and environmental influences. As we have come to understand more about the mechanisms of progressive myopia, we now have cutting edge treatments and interventions to help slow down the progression of the near-sightedness.
Environmental Influences on Myopia
Excessive near-work, such as reading or focusing on small objects or screens at near (less than 14 inches from the face), can contribute to the worsening of myopia over time. For this, we recommend trying the “20/20/20 Rule” that suggests for every 20 minutes of reading or focusing up close (screens/tablets/laptops/books) to look out at a distance 20 feet away (out of the window, for example) for 20 seconds, then return to the activity.
Contact Lens or Glasses to Slow the Progression of Myopia
We are certified providers in the Brilliant FuturesTM Myopia Management Program with the CooperVision MiSight® contact lens. This is a 1-day contact lens that not only provides vision correction but also has built in features that have been shown to slow the progression of near-sightedness in children ages 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.
There are several studies underway to evaluate eyeglass lenses that have similar features.
Pharmaceutical Interventions
We are currently participating in a phase 3 study looking at the safety and efficacy of dilute atropine to treat the progression of myopia. The study is currently fully enrolled, but dilute atropine can be prescribed and used off-label, pending FDA approval.
If you are interested in discussing myopia management, please call the office at 719-574-1654 to make an appointment!
Myopia, also known as “near-sightedness”, is becoming more and more prevalent in children. Myopia is determined, in large part, by the length of the eye, and often worsens as the child grows. We are discovering that in the more progressive forms of myopia there are both genetic and environmental influences. As we have come to understand more about the mechanisms of progressive myopia, we now have cutting edge treatments and interventions to help slow down the progression of the near-sightedness.
Environmental Influences on Myopia
Excessive near-work, such as reading or focusing on small objects or screens at near (less than 14 inches from the face), can contribute to the worsening of myopia over time. For this, we recommend trying the “20/20/20 Rule” that suggests for every 20 minutes of reading or focusing up close (screens/tablets/laptops/books) to look out at a distance 20 feet away (out of the window, for example) for 20 seconds, then return to the activity.
Contact Lens or Glasses to Slow the Progression of Myopia
We are certified providers in the Brilliant FuturesTM Myopia Management Program with the CooperVision MiSight® contact lens. This is a 1-day contact lens that not only provides vision correction but also has built in features that have been shown to slow the progression of near-sightedness in children ages 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.
There are several studies underway to evaluate eyeglass lenses that have similar features.
Pharmaceutical Interventions
We are currently participating in a phase 3 study looking at the safety and efficacy of dilute atropine to treat the progression of myopia. The study is currently fully enrolled, but dilute atropine can be prescribed and used off-label, pending FDA approval.
If you are interested in discussing myopia management, please call the office at 719-574-1654 to make an appointment!
