myopia control

what is myopia?

Myopia is the most prevalent eye condition, affecting almost 30% of people globally. By 2050, myopia is estimated to affect 50% of the world’s population.

Myopia (commonly known as nearsightedness) is an eye condition which causes distant objects to appear blurry. Myopia occurs when the length of the eyeball is too long in shape, leading to increased distance between the cornea and retina. This results in having less light entering the eye before reaching the retina and causing blurring vision. The shape of the cornea or the thickness of the lens in the eye can also contribute to Myopia.

Protecting Your Child’s Vision for Life
Myopia Control: A Guide for Parents

At Almaden Eyes, we believe in early prevention of a rapid progression of Myopia and it starts with our children. We offer several options to manage your Myopia because of different needs and lifestyles.

What is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing blurry distance vision. It often starts in childhood and can worsen yearly. By 2050, half the world’s population may be myopic. While glasses correct vision, they don’t stop the eye from lengthening—which raises risks of serious eye diseases later in life, like retinal detachment or glaucoma.

Why Control Myopia?
Slowing myopia progression by just 1 Diopter can reduce lifelong risks of vision-threatening complications by up to 40%.

What causes myopia?

Family History matters:

• 1 Parent w/ Myopia: 3x risk for the child

• 2 Parents w/ Myopia: 8x risk for the child

Lifestyle Considerations:

Studies in other countries have lifestyle factors linked to the increase in progressive myopia.

1. Academics - Children enrolled in more rigorous academics are at a higher risk

2. Technology - Everything from smartphones to computers and televisions. Screen time is increasing and getting closer to the eyes.

3. Decrease in time outside - Concerns about child safety have restricted the amount of outdoor play time and replaced it with indoor activities like technology.

Benefits of Myopia Control

1️⃣ Reduces Future Eye Disease Risk

  • Myopia is the sixth leading cause of blindness. Myopic patients are more vulnerable to a range of sight-threatening diseases and complications. For example, more than 50 percent of retinal detachments (not related to trauma) are associated with myopia.

  • Myopia Management lowers the chances of cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal damage by keeping the eye at a healthier length.

  • With consistent eye exams, myopia can be diagnosed and managed early. Timely intervention can assist in stabilizing eye elongation, preventing visual compromise.

2️⃣ Improves Quality of Life

  • Kids see clearly with less dependence on thick glasses.

  • Better performance in sports, school, and social activities.

3️⃣ Cost-Effective Long-Term

  • Investing in control now may prevent costly treatments later.

How Does Myopia Control Work?

Modern treatments slow excessive eye growth using:

1. Specialized Contact Lenses

  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Overnight lenses reshape the cornea. Benefits: Daytime freedom from glasses/lenses. Best for: Active kids and those with rapidly progressing myopia.

  • MiSight® 1 Day: Soft daily lenses with a “focus-control” design. Benefits: Easy to use, no cleaning. Best for: First-time contact lens wearers.

2. Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

  • A nightly drop that relaxes eye-focusing mechanisms. Benefits: Non-invasive, works alongside glasses.

Common Questions

Q: Is myopia control safe for kids?
A: Yes! Ortho-K and MiSight are FDA-approved and proven safe in long-term studies.

Q: What if my child hates eye drops?
A: Contact lenses or glasses are great alternatives. We can also discuss other lifestyle factors that will help decrease myopia at your consultation.

Q: When should we start?
A: The earlier the better—ideally when myopia is first diagnosed.

Take the Next Step

📞 Book a Consultation
Ask our doctors about creating a personalized myopia control plan. We are certified in CRT ortho-K, Euclid Max ortho-K, MiSight soft contact lenses, atropine, and can give guidance on lifestyle considerations.

Early action can protect your child’s vision for decades to come!

Your Child’s Clear Future Starts Today! 🌟

Data from the International Myopia Institute (2024) and FDA trials.