Pediatric Myopia Control
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that affects more than 34 million Americans. Its prevalence in young children has sparked many studies, in hopes of finding a cure. While there's currently no cure, scientists have discovered several ways to slow down progress during childhood and the teenage years. North Bay Optometric Vision Center, your premier optometrist in Rohnert Park, is committed to ensuring eye health in all of today’s youth.
What Is Myopia Control?
While there's currently no cure for nearsightedness, your eye doctor can now offer four types of treatment that show promise for slowing down the progression of this condition. The purpose of these treatments is to identify and safeguard against specific environmental factors that prime the patient for myopia, particularly during the eyes’ developmental period. Ultimately, the hope is that treatment will slow down the progression of nearsightedness that has been linked to more severe eye problems, such as early cataracts and detached retina.
Options Your Eye Doctor Can Offer for Controlling Myopia
Atropine - There have been mixed reviews when it comes to the effectiveness of atropine. While these eye drops have proven effective in the short-term, significant results are often limited to the first year or two of treatment.
Orthokeratology - Orthokeratology, also known as "ortho-k” is the use of contact lenses known as "corneal reshaping lenses.” These gas permeable lenses are only worn while the patient is asleep. Because the vision problems are corrected during sleep, the need for corrective lenses during waking hours is reduced or eliminated.
Multifocal Contact Lenses - These lenses are specially designed for the patient’s needs, with each zone of the lens containing a different strength.
Multifocal Eyeglasses - While results are significantly lower than other treatments, multifocal eyeglasses have slowed the progression of myopia in the first year.
Contact Your Trusted Optometrist in Rohnert Park Today
Do you have a child who's developed nearsightedness at a young age? Are you concerned about the future of their eye health? Call North Bay Optometric Vision Center at 707-584-7294 or contact us online today.