PREVENTION TIPS
Get outdoors!
Children need to spend at least 1-2 hours per day outdoors. Sunlight has a protective effect against myopia development even if wearing sunglasses. Outdoor time is important in children with other risk factors such as genetics.
Take breaks!
Take regular breaks when reading or using a computer. Don't hold the book or devices too close. Use the 20/20/20 rule - every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Get good sleep!
Children need at least 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. A lack of sleep has been shown to be a risk factor for myopia progression.
MYOPIA MANAGEMENT options
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, is the use of custom designed and fitted contact lens retainers (such as Johnson and Johnson Abiliti) that temporarily reshape the cornea to improve vision. It's like orthodontics for your eyes and the treatment is often compared to dental braces. This retainer lens is only worn at night during sleep, and it helps to slow down progression of myopia by creating a circle of blur in the back of the eye (retina). The flattening of the cornea also allows the child to reduce the dependence on glasses throughout the day. Ortho-k has been FDA approved since 2002.
Dual Focus Soft Contact Lenses
These multifocal contact lenses are specifically designed to correct myopia (nearsightedness) in children and slow its progression at the same time. They utilize a unique concentric ring design to redirect light onto the retina and signal the eye to stop growing excessively. Currently CooperVision MiSight 1-Day is the only soft contact lens option approved by FDA for myopia control.
Low Dose Atropine Drops
Atropine eye drops can be used to test and treat various eye conditions, and in low concentrations can also be used to slow myopia progression in children and teenagers, with evidence up to age 15-16.
