Myopia Control and Management

What is Myopia?

Myopia, (nearsightedness) is a common vision condition where light focuses in frontof the retina, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Progression of myopia, the eye growing too long,can significantly increase the lifetime risk of developing serious eye conditions such as:

• Physiological implications such as Retinal Detachment, Peripheral Retinal Pathology or MacularDegeneration and Glaucoma may also present at an earlier age.

• Functional implications may include challenges with daily activities or academic performance

What is the goal of Myopia Control?

The goal of Myopia Control is not to cure nearsightedness, butto slow the elongation of the eye, reducing the rate of myopia progression. The doctor will go over thedifferent ways of managing your/your child’s myopia with you.

Myopia Control Options

• Ortho-K (contact lenses) — Gas permeable contact lenses worn over-night which reshape thecornea, removing the need to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses during the day

• Myopia Control 1-day contact lenses — Daily disposable soft contact lenses worn during the day

• Essilor Stellest Lenses — Specialized spectacle lenses worn a minimum of 10 hours/day, 6days/week

• Compound Diluted Atropine Drops — A topical drop (typically .01%-.05%) used once daily atbedtime.

Additional information — Each of these options starts with an initial fee for fitting, training andservices from the doctor, which will include additional visits throughout the year. Every year following,a reduced fee for services will be applied at the examination and will continue to include anyadditional visits for myopia control throughout the year.

Lifestyle and Habits — Even with medical and optical treatments, healthy visual habits make a bigdifference.

• Get outside: Aim for at least 1-2 hours of outdoor time each day. Natural light helps slow the onsetof myopia.

• Take breaks from screens — Follow the 20-20-20 “rule”-every 20 minutes, look at something 20feet away for 20 seconds.

• Maintain proper reading distance — Keep books and devices at least elbow-length from the eyes.