Myopia Management
There are now FDA approved ways to slow down how myopic (nearsighted) a child gets, if treatment is started early enough. If myopia isn't managed properly, the patient is much more at risk for sight-threatening diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachments.
Overview
Myopia (nearsightedness) is considered a global pandemic just like COVID-19. It's estimated by 2050, half of the world will be myopic. and 10% will have high myopia which puts them at risk for permanent vision loss. It's crucial now more than ever that we do more than limit screen time to control this disease.
Who's at Risk?
It's expected that today's infants will be almost twice as likely to be myopic by 2050 than infants 20 years ago, and the trend is only rising. Screen time has played an enormous role - one of the main contributors to increasing myopia is how much time is spent in front of near work, whether it's technology or even books. The accessibility of technology is just so much more so than books and other media ever was.
Detection
It's crucial that children get their annual eye exam to detect any progression in their prescription sooner rather than later. Often times, our doctors will even recommend 6 month check ups to make sure there isn't too much wasted time for progression.
Treatment Options
There are 2 currently FDA approved methods to control myopia - Ortho-keratology (think braces for your eyes) where you sleep with hard contact lenses and take them out during the day, and MiSight, a soft daily disposable contact lens. Both require extensive training and certification by the doctor, and only a handful of doctors are able to provide these options to patients. For patients that can't put on contact lenses, medication drops can also be used - they're not FDA approved but some studies have shown they can be effective. There have been a number of myopia management glasses that have come to market, only 1 of which - Stellest lenses - is FDA market-authorized (but not FDA approved). Most of these glasses only had a handful of years of research, and need more time before they're trusted as long-term treatment.