Myopia Can Be Managed

Identifying and controlling myopia is just one more reason why children should have regular comprehensive eye exams.

Roughly 30% of the Canadian population has myopia. Also known as nearsightedness, the prevalence of the condition is increasing in Canada and around the world.

Not only does myopia make it difficult to see what’s being presented in class or to catch a ball on the field, but it can also lead to other vision issues. High myopia is associated with an increased risk of retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Vision doesn’t stabilize until around age 20, so if children’s eyes are examined regularly, we have the opportunity to identify myopia early and slow its progression.

Please book an eye exam for your child today.

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What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error. When the eye has an irregular shape, light can’t focus correctly on the retina, which causes blurry vision. In the case of myopia, light focuses in front of the retina so close-up items are clear and objects in the distance are fuzzy.

The causes of myopia are not widely understood, but it does appear that genetics play at least a partial role. So if you have myopia, there’s a chance your children might too.

How We Monitor Your Child’s Nearsightedness

Your child’s prescription isn’t the only way we monitor myopia progression. We also use a quick, noninvasive test called axial length measurement to track changes in their eye’s length throughout treatment.Since a longer eye is linked to a higher risk of certain eye diseases, early intervention is key. By closely monitoring axial length, we can assess the effectiveness of myopia control methods and help protect your child’s long-term vision.

Our Myopia Control Therapies

We’ll work with you to explore all the myopia control options and help you choose the best method for your child and family.

We have several options available, including:

Spectacle lenses: Specialized MiyoSmart and Stellest lenses offer an easy solution that corrects your child’s vision while helping manage myopia progression.
Contact lenses: MiSight 1 day disposable lenses are worn daily and designed to slow eye elongation while correcting vision.

Prescription eye drops: Atropine eye drops are used nightly to slow the progression of myopia. Your child can wear their regular glasses or contacts during the day.

Myopia Matters

It’s important that kids get regular eye exams, so we can identify myopia. Unlike adults, children often have no frame of reference for good vision. They may not be able to articulate when they are struggling to see.

If no one knows there’s a vision problem, kids can be misdiagnosed with a learning disability or behavioural disorder.

Language acquisition, speech development, and hand-eye coordination are all dependent on good visual skills. By detecting it early and employing methods of myopia control, we can help to set kids up for clear, crisp vision in the future.

Let Us Help

Myopia has no cure, but spending more time outside can delay the onset of the condition. At Tutt Street Optometry, we partner with your family to find the right approach to myopia control for your child.

Book your child’s eye exam today and we’ll get started.

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