Myopia is a visual condition that increasingly affects children around the world. It appears as blurred distance vision. More than just a need for glasses, uncontrolled myopia can increase the risk of serious eye complications in adulthood (for example: glaucoma, early cataracts, retinal detachment). Fortunately, solutions now exist to slow its progression. This is what we call myopia control.

Understanding Myopia and Its Progression

Myopia occurs when the eye is too long or when the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurred distance vision. In children, myopia tends to worsen with growth, often due to excessive elongation of the eyeball (axial length).

A Precise Diagnosis: The MYAH Device

For effective myopia monitoring, precise measurements are essential. We use the state-of-the-art MYAH device to obtain crucial data:

• Corneal topography (Topo): Measures the curvature of the front surface of the eye, an important factor in establishing the treatment plan.
• Axial length: This is the most critical measurement in myopia control. It tracks the actual elongation of the eye. By monitoring axial length increase, we can objectively determine whether a treatment is effective or if an adjustment is needed.

This technology allows us to personalize the approach and detect myopia progression even before it becomes evident through a simple refraction test.

Treatment Options for Myopia Control

Myopia control aims to slow the elongation of the eye, thereby reducing myopia progression and associated risks. Treatments are generally listed in order of preferred intervention, although the final choice depends on the child’s age, myopia progression, and lifestyle.

1. Specialized Spectacle Lenses

Conventional eyeglass lenses correct myopia but do not control it. New lens technologies have been developed specifically for myopia control:

• Miyosmart (DIMS Technology): These lenses use a central zone for clear vision correction and a peripheral area with hundreds of small defocusing segments. This peripheral defocus sends a signal to the eye to slow its elongation. It is often the first choice due to its effectiveness, non-invasiveness, and ease of use.

2. Contact Lenses

For children ready to handle contact lenses, this option is highly effective and provides both vision correction and myopia control:

• MiSight MD (DED Technology): These are daily disposable lenses that also use peripheral defocus technology to control myopia progression, similar to Miyosmart lenses.

3. Eye Drops

When optical solutions are not sufficient or appropriate, eye drops may be considered:

• Low-dose Atropine: Studies have shown that very low-dose atropine eye drops (generally 0.01% to 0.05%) can slow myopia progression with minimal side effects. They are usually used once daily.

4. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Although Ortho-K is not always the first option, it is a very effective treatment for myopia control:

• Overnight lenses: Ortho-K involves wearing rigid gas-permeable lenses only during sleep. They temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing the child to see clearly during the day without glasses or contact lenses. This corneal reshaping effect also provides excellent control of axial elongation.

Conclusion

Myopia control is not a luxury, but a necessity for your child’s long-term visual health. With advanced diagnostic tools and a range of proven treatments (Miyosmart, MiSight MD, Atropine, Ortho-K), we can effectively manage this condition. Consult your optometrist to discuss the most suitable myopia control approach for your child.