Myopia Management
What Is Myopia
Myopia is an ocular condition also referred to as ‘nearsightedness.’ In a myopic person, the length of the eyes from front to back is longer than the average eye. This means images focus in front of the retina, causing a blurred image for the patient.
Myopia means more than just stronger, thicker glasses. Myopia can get worse as kids grow, increasing the risk of eye disease.
Why Does Myopia Happen?
Some of the factors that contribute to myopia include:
1. Genetics: The change of children developing myopia are greater if one or both parents are myopic.
There is a 25% chance a child will develop myopia if one parent is myopic.
There is a 50% chance a child will develop myopia if both parents are myopic.
2. Lifestyle: Factors that can increase the risk of developing myopia are:
Prolonged time on Digital devices and reading: Children spending 7+ hours a week on digital devices are 3x more at risk of developing myopia.
Insufficient time outdoors: Myopia prevalence increase 3x in young children during the COVID pandemic.
More Myopia Than Ever
In the 1970’s, nearly 25% of the population in the US was myopic. Today, more than 40% of Americans are myopic, and that number is expected to increase to 52% by 2050. Research also tells us there is also a rise in patients with higher myopia, leading to higher risk for vision loss.
Long Term Complications of Myopia
Retinal Detachment: The risk for retinal detachments is dependent on the severity of myopia, but can be 3-20x greater than someone without myopia.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a disease that is caused by damage to the optic nerve which can lead to permanent vision loss. Myopic patients are at 2-3x greater risk for developing glaucoma compared to a patient without myopia.
Cataracts: Myopic patient have 2-5x greater risk of developing cataracts and often develop them earlier than those without myopia.
Myopic Maculopathy: This can cause vision loss in the center of our vision, especially those with high myopia.
Ask about managing your child’s myopia today
Tips to help slow progression
Increase outdoor time
At least 90 minutes a day
Limit screen time
Cut the number of hours your child spends on screens
Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Every 20 minutes, have your child take a 20 second break while looking at something 20 feet away
Myopia treatment options
Day time contact lenses
Specially designed glasses
Prescription eye drops
MiSight 1-Day Contact Lenses
Wink Family EyeCare is proud to be a part of CooperVision’s Brilliant Futures Myopia Management Program.
Dr. Kim is one of the few CooperVision certified optometrist to prescribe MiSight 1-Day contact lenses- the first and only contact lenses approved by the FDA for slowing down the progression of myopia.
