Myopia Control
It is estimated that currently about 30% of the world's population is myopic. By 2050, this number is expected to increase to almost 50%! High myopia not only results in thick looking glasses but also an increased of risk for ocular diseases such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.
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At Willow, myopia control starts before it begins. During your child's annual routine eye exam, we will examine family history, environmental risk factors and their hyperopic reserve to determine their risk for myopia development. Closer monitoring may be recommended to ensure if myopia develops, we can catch it at an earlier stage. Axial length measurement may also be recommended (click here to learn more about axial length measurement).
When myopia starts, we will work closely with your child and you to formulate a personalized myopia control plan. See below for some common methods used in myopia control:
customized overnight hard contact lenses
Orthokeratology
OK lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, resulting in improved vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. They will also create a peripheral defocus that is targeted towards controlling myopic growth.
special design glasses
Myopia control spectacle lenses
These appear just like a normal pair of glasses. The have a special peripheral lens design that is targetted towards myopia control. MiyoSmart and Stellest are the two most commonly used brands.
day wear daily disposable soft lenses
MiSight®/abiliti®
These daily disposable lenses have a special lens design that has been proven to reduce the rate of progression of myopia. They are typically worn during the day time for 10 to 12 hours per day.
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pharmaceutical
Diluted atropine drops
This is compounded medication that is taken once daily at night. Typically, it is used in combination with other myopia control therapies.
Axial Length Measurement
with LENSTAR from Haag-Streit
When eyes are nearsighted or myopic, they are likely longer than the average person. A longer axial length correlates with an increased risk for myopia. When diagnosed with myopia as a child, it is expected that the prescription will increase in time because the eyes are still growing and elongating. It is important to monitor and control for this growth by measuring the axial length of the eye to ensure that our control management is adequate.
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At Willow Eye Clinic, axial length is measured with a laser-precision technology called LENSTAR from Haag-Streit. An analysis is generated after each measurement showing future prediction in growth depending on the method of myopia management.
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