Child Myopia Management in Seattle WA

Understanding Your Child's Myopia

What is myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, causes poor long-distance vision. In myopic eyes, the eyeball is either longer than normal, or the cornea is too curved, causing objects far away to appear blurry.

Myopia is a refractive error that affects the eye's ability to focus on distant objects. Individuals with myopia typically experience clear vision when looking at nearby objects but struggle with blurred vision when trying to see things in the distance. This occurs because the eyeball is either too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Normal

Myopia

Myopia on the rise

Myopia has become increasingly prevalent worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that by the year 2050, nearly half of the global population will be affected by myopia. This rise in prevalence is a cause for concern as myopia not only affects visual acuity but also increases the risk of developing sight-threatening complications later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. The prevalence of myopia varies among different ethnic groups and countries. In East Asia, for example, the prevalence of myopia is exceptionally high, with studies indicating that up to 80% of young adults are affected.

1 in 4 Parents
has a child with myopia

Myopia has doubled
in U.S. children
over the past 10 years

50% of the population
will be myopic by 2050

What are the main myopia risk factors?

Various factors contribute to the development and progression of myopia. While genetics play a significant role, environmental factors also have a substantial impact. Spending excessive time engaged in near-work activities, such as reading, writing, or using electronic devices, has been linked to an increased risk of myopia. Additionally, lack of outdoor exposure, especially during childhood, has been associated with a higher likelihood of developing myopia.

Other risk factors include a family history of myopia, early-onset of myopia, and certain ethnic backgrounds. Children with myopic parents are more likely to develop myopia themselves. Individuals who develop myopia at an early age and progress rapidly are also at a higher risk of experiencing more severe myopia later in life.

2+ hours per day spent on "close work" (not including school work) can increase the risk of myopia.

The is a 25% chance a child will develop myopia if one parent is myopic and a 50% chance if both are myopic

Less than 60-90 minutes per day spent outdoors in natural sunlight could contribute to myopia

Specific binocular vision and focusing disorders increase the risk of myopia

Myopia progresses faster at an early age, especially if a child is less then 9 years old.

Why is myopia control important?

Given the increasing prevalence of myopia and its potential long-term consequences, it is crucial to implement effective myopia management strategies. Myopia management involves a combination of interventions aimed at slowing down the progression of myopia and reducing the risk of associated complications.

By effectively managing myopia, we can help minimize the need for stronger prescription glasses or contact lenses and reduce the risk of developing sight-threatening conditions. Additionally, controlling myopia progression can significantly improve a person's quality of life by maintaining better visual acuity, reducing the impact of myopia on daily activities, and preventing the development of serious conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.

Cataracts
Cataracts tend to develop
sooner in nearsighted eyes

Glaucoma
Nearsighted people have a
2-3x greater risk of glaucoma

Retinal Detachment
Nearsightedness increases the
risk of retinal detachment

Myopic Maculopathy
A prescription over -6.00D
poses a 40x increased risk for
degeneration of the central retina

What options are available for myopia control?

Several methods have been developed to help manage and control myopia progression.

Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. This allows for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K has been shown to effectively slow down the progression of myopia, making it a popular option for myopia management, especially in children.

Soft multifocal contact lenses are another effective option for myopia management. These lenses have different zones that correct both distance and near vision, simultaneously slowing down the progression of myopia.

Atropine eye drops have been found to be effective in controlling myopia progression. These drops work by temporarily relaxing the focusing mechanism of the eye, thus reducing the elongation of the eyeball that leads to myopia. However, the long-term effects and optimal concentration of atropine for myopia control are still being researched.

Increased Time Outdoors

Limited Screen Time

Specialty Soft Contacts
(NOT traditional
soft contacts)

Specially Designed Glasses*
(NOT traditional single vision glasses)

Specialized Prescription Eyedrops*
(e.g. low dose atropine)

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Contacts
(hard contacts to reshape the eye)

At Roosevelt Vision, we are commitment to advanced eye care technologies, precision optics, and personalized visual solutions. Our comprehensive approach to myopia management, coupled with a wide range of services and treatments, makes Roosevelt Vision a trusted destination for addressing myopia and ensuring optimal eye health.

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of myopia, consult with our optometrists to discuss the best myopia management options for your specific needs. Take action today to protect your vision for tomorrow.

*These proven treatments are not yet FDA approved.

Roosevelt Vision is excited to offer all the latest options for myopia control. Schedule a consultation or ask your doctor which of these treatments is most appropriate for your child.