What is Myopia?
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry. Myopia symptoms include difficulty seeing objects that are far away, eyestrain, headaches, and frequent squinting.
Left untreated, moderate to high myopia can significantly increase a person's risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases later in life. As the level of myopia increases, so does the risk of eye disease.
What Causes Myopia?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of myopia. Genetics play a role, as myopia tends to run in families. Spending a lot of time reading or looking at screens and doing other forms of near work can also contribute to the development of myopia.
Myopia Control Management Plans at Orange County Eyecare Optometry
At Orange County Eyecare Optometry, we offer myopia management (also called myopia control) treatments to slow the rate of myopia progression or even halt its progression altogether.
The goal of myopia management is to slow down its progression because myopia increases the risk of eventually developing eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration. The higher the progression of myopia, the greater the risk. The earlier your child begins myopia management, even for mild myopia, the greater the benefits.
Myopia can progress rapidly during childhood, increasing the risk of serious eye conditions later in life. To help control and slow the progression of myopia, we offer comprehensive myopia management plans tailored to your child's needs, including innovative treatments like MiSight contact lenses and Atropine eye drops.
Specialized Myopia Treatment
MiSight Contact Lenses
MiSight contact lenses are a groundbreaking option in myopia management. These FDA-approved daily disposable lenses are specifically designed for children with myopia. MiSight lenses not only correct vision but also help slow the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of future eye health issues.
Benefits of MiSight Contact Lenses
- Proven Myopia Control: Clinically shown to reduce myopia progression by up to 59% in children.
- Convenience and Comfort: Daily disposable lenses are easy to use and maintain, making them ideal for active children.
- Clear Vision: Provides your child with the clear vision they need for school, sports, and daily activities.
- Safety: MiSight lenses are designed for safe, long-term use under the supervision of Tammy Shinen, O.D..
Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine eye drops are another effective option in our myopia control management plans. Atropine is a medication that, when used in low concentrations, can slow down the progression of myopia in children. It works by relaxing the eye’s focusing mechanism, which helps reduce the eye’s tendency to elongate, a key factor in the worsening of myopia.
Benefits of Atropine Eye Drops:
- Effective Myopia Control: Research shows that low-dose atropine can significantly slow the progression of myopia in children.
- Non-Invasive Treatment: Simple to use, with just one drop needed in each eye before bedtime.
- Flexible Management: Can be used alone or in combination with other myopia control methods like MiSight lenses.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re concerned about your child’s myopia, early intervention is key. Schedule a consultation with Tammy Shinen, O.D. at Orange County Eyecare Optometry to discuss our myopia management plans and find out if MiSight contact lenses or Atropine eye drops are right for your child. Contact us at 714-528-2566 to book your appointment today.