WHAT IS MYOPIA?
Myopia is defined as the inability to see distance objects. It is also referred to as nearsightedness. The prevalence of myopia in children seems to be increasing possibly due to children taking part in more near-sighted activities such as using digital devices, studying/reading and spending less time outdoors.
WHY MYOPIA CONTROL?
The purpose of myopia management is to minimize the risk of vision related issues associated with myopia progression. There are certain eye diseases that are associated with increasing myopia. These include retinal detachments, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma and cataracts. Unfortunately lots of factors (both genetic and environmental) play a contributing role in myopia and the increase in your childs prescription. Our goal is to try and slow down these changes. We can’t stop the growth or reverse it but hopefully we can try and slow it down.
MYOPIA CONTROL OPTIONS OFFERED AT CORNELL OPTOMETRY
- Ortho-K overnight lenses
- Mi-Sight Daily soft contact lenses
- Abiliti daily soft contact lenses
- MiyoSmart spectacles
- Stellest spectacle lenses
- Atropine eye drops
DURATION OF TREATMENT
The length of the treatment is generally determined by the current prescription, growth of the eyes (axial length) and the childs age. The general consensus is to continue myopia management until the age of 18.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Cornell Optometry, we have created a myopia management program that allows us to help each child based on their unique ocular anatomy and prescription. We have state of the art technology to assess axial length, corneal topography and digital retinal imaging. Information from these instruments will give us detailed information about their eyes which will allow us to manage their myopia as accurately as we can. Assessing axial length and regular prescription checks are critical in determining if the specific treatment is working for your child.
FEES
At this time, Myopia Management is not a service covered under OHIP. Depending on the treatment option chosen for your child, the fees will vary. Please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to discuss further.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Clinical studies in myopia management are evolving rapidly. Some good websites for parents are listed below.
