Myopia Control

What is Myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error where the eye grows too long from front to back. As a result, images don’t focus on the retina properly and appear blurry at a distance. However, individuals with myopia can see objects up close without issue.

This condition often worsens over time, especially in children, and increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, such as cataracts, retinal detachment, and myopic macular degeneration.

The Myopia Pandemic: A Growing Concern

The myopia pandemic refers to the alarming rise in nearsightedness worldwide, particularly among children and young adults. Over the past few decades, myopia rates have surged, and by 2050, nearly 50% of the world’s population will be affected.

Causes of the Myopia Epidemic

1. Increased Screen Time – Prolonged use of digital devices like phones, tablets, and computers is contributing to eye strain and faster myopia progression.

2. Less Outdoor Time – Children today are spending less time outdoors. Studies show that exposure to natural light can slow myopia development, and kids should ideally spend at least 2 hours a day outside.

3. Genetics – If one or both parents have myopia, their children are at a higher risk of developing it.

4. Education & Near Work – Excessive reading and academic work, especially from an early age, have been linked to increased myopia rates. Countries with rigorous education systems, like South Korea and China, have some of the highest myopia rates.

Why is This a Big Deal?

Severe myopia (high myopia) increases the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, including:

• Retinal Detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Myopic Macular Degeneration, which can lead to blindness.

MiSight Lenses: A Breakthrough in Myopia Control

At Blinking Owl Eye Care, we are offering MiSight contact lenses, a revolutionary treatment that can slow myopia progression in children. MiSight lenses have been proven to reduce myopia progression by up to 59%. For example, a child with -8.00D of nearsightedness could see a reduction to about -3.50D after using MiSight lenses for a year.

Approved by the FDA in 2019, MiSight lenses are the only contact lenses on the market clinically proven to slow myopia progression. They are ideal for children aged 8-12 years and are comfortable, easy to use, and can be worn daily.

How MiSight Lenses Work

MiSight lenses have a unique design: part of the lens corrects the refractive error (nearsightedness), allowing the child to see clearly at a distance. The other part of the lens focuses light in front of the retina, which slows myopia progression.

These lenses are effective for children with mild to moderate myopia, with prescriptions ranging from -0.250 to -6.00D. MiSight lenses can help keep the eye from growing too long, reducing the risk of severe vision problems in the future.

What You Can Do to Help

If your child is at risk for myopia, here are some steps you can take to help manage and slow its progression:

1. Increase Outdoor Time – Ensure your child spends at least 2 hours per day outdoors to help slow myopia development.

2. Limit Screen Time & Near Work – Encourage the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.

3. Consider Myopia Control Treatments – MiSight lenses, Ortho-K, and atropine eye drops are proven treatments to slow myopia progression.

4. Schedule Regular Eye Exams – Early detection is crucial to managing myopia and preventing future complications.

Correcting Vision Safely and Effectively

MiSight contacts are not ordinary lenses. Rather, they treat the myopia refractive error so that children can see better and prevent their vision from becoming worse. They also reduce the risk of additional eye and vision-related problems. Everything combined makes these contact lenses a perfect choice for treating myopia in children.

See through your child’s eyes.

Schedule Your Child’s Exam Today

Myopia can worsen quickly, but with the right treatment, its progression can be slowed significantly. Contact Blinking Owl Eye Care today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—take proactive steps to protect your child’s vision.

Learn More About MiSight Lenses – Our team is here to discuss how MiSight contact lenses can help manage your child’s myopia.
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Book your appointment today!