Myopia Control

Put the Brakes on Your Child’s Growing Nearsightedness

Does your child need glasses to see things far away? This vision error is called myopia or nearsightedness.

Myopia starts during your child’s early school years and can worsen until early adulthood. Myopia causes blurry distance vision, but it can also affect how your child learns in school and their long-term eye health.

But we have good news. At The Eye Studio by Kennedy Eye Clinic, we have a myopia control program to help your child see clearer, keep their glasses strength low, and maintain healthy eyes for longer.

Book your child’s eye exam so we can help preserve their vision.

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What Is Myopia Control All About?

Myopia can’t be reversed, but there are ways to slow or pause its progression.

Myopia control combines various techniques, such as soft contact lenses, ortho-k (corneal reshaping) contacts, specialty glasses, and low-dose atropine eye drops.

It’s all about taking proactive steps to help keep your child’s myopia in check.

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What Is Nearsightedness, Really?

Our eyesight needs light to function. Everything we see is based on how the retina detects light and how the brain interprets different light levels.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, objects in the distance, such as whiteboards in a classroom, appear blurry.

Although blurry vision is the most obvious sign of myopia, other common symptoms include:

Eye strain
Squinting to see distances
Bumping into objects
Frequent clumsiness
Headaches

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia is caused by both genetic and environmental factors.

Kids are more likely to develop myopia—and at a faster pace—if at least one parent is nearsighted.

Spending too much time doing near work, like reading, drawing, or using tablets, is also linked to a higher chance of myopia in children.

Myopia progression is also linked to too little time spent outdoors. The great outdoors can be great for your child’s sight because it exposes them to sunlight and a greater variety of distances.

Vision & Learning

When kids have trouble seeing, it can affect their day-to-day lives. Reading the whiteboard from the back of the class or feeling confident in sports can become more challenging and affect their self-esteem.

If we don’t address their vision issues early, they might fall behind their friends.

That’s why seeking professional care and exploring treatment options like specialized corrective lenses or lifestyle changes is important.

By providing your child with personalized tools and treatments, we can help kids feel supported and set them up for success both in and out of the classroom.

What’s This About a Myopia Epidemic?

In 1983, the average age for myopia onset was 11 years old. But by 2000, the average age dropped to 8. Myopia is affecting more and more people at a younger age.

And the rate of myopia is predicted to reach almost 50% worldwide by 2050. Every 1 in 10 people will experience high myopia, which means thicker glasses and a greater risk of eye disease.

Myopia usually progresses from low to high until it stabilizes around age 20. Preventing quick progression is key, as higher amounts of myopia can increase the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration.

Myopia Control Treatment Options

We know it’s a lot to take in, but we’re here to help you navigate the world of myopia control. The best treatment for your child depends on individual factors, like their level of myopia (low to high), age, hobbies, activities, and personal preferences.

We work with you to create a personalized myopia control plan. We also provide additional resources for kids and parents who like to do their homework.

There are 4 main categories of myopia control:

Daytime soft contact lenses
Orthokeratology (night lenses)
Low-dose medicated eye drops
Specialized spectacle lenses

Ortho-K (Night Contact Lenses)

Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, uses rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to reshape your child’s cornea overnight. The improved shape lasts all day, so your child can enjoy clearer vision without daytime lenses. Ortho-K is only offered at our sister location, Kennedy Eye Clinic.

MiYOSMART Spectacle Lenses

HOYA’s MiYOSMART eyeglass lenses use a uniquely designed honeycomb-like pattern to direct light to focus on the retina, including peripheral light that can incorrectly focus behind the eye.

This innovative design is known as DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) technology, which can correct blurred vision and slow myopia progression.

Atropine Drops

Low-dose atropine drops have shown significant success in studies for myopia control. Atropine temporarily “freezes” the eye muscles responsible for focusing on close-up objects. This relaxation helps prevent “focusing fatigue,” reduces strain on the eyes, and slows the progression of nearsightedness.

Atropine drops are applied daily before bedtime.

Soft Contact Lenses

Abiliti 1-day and MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses are breathable, daily disposable lenses designed for myopia control. They’re easy for young kids to handle and don’t require cleaning or storing.

These lenses should be worn for at least 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, for the full benefits.

Lifestyle Changes

We all love our screens, but spending more time outdoors can help slow the progression of nearsightedness.

Encourage your kids to play outdoors (with sun protection) and take regular breaks from screens to reduce eye strain.

Remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Axial Length Measurement for Myopia

Axial length measurement is a noninvasive procedure used to determine the length of your eye. But why is this important? Well, the length of your eye impacts your visual clarity and eye health.

During an axial length measurement, we’ll use specialized equipment, such as the Topcon MYAH optical biometer, which uses light wavelengths to obtain precise measurements of the distance from the front to the back of your eye, similar to how an ultrasound device uses sound waves.

Coverage for Our Myopia Control Program

Saskatchewan Health provides coverage for myopia management consultations, working to make eye care more accessible and affordable.

The first step is a budget-friendly initial fee of $150 (with a valid SK health card) to enroll in our comprehensive myopia control program. Subsequent visits are priced at $100, including thorough examinations with your Optometrist.

Our Optometrist will review the prescription, measure axial length, and provide a detailed progression chart during each visit. Plus, you’ll receive professional advice on any necessary treatment modifications or recommendations we may have.

By investing in myopia control, you’re supporting your child’s vision in the present and securing a cost-effective solution for the future. It can significantly reduce the frequency of new eyeglasses and contact lens prescriptions, saving you money in the long run.

We pride ourselves on offering diverse options for myopia management to meet the needs and circumstances of all our patients.

Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment! Your child’s vision and your peace of mind is always our focus.

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Our Locations

The Eye Studio by Kennedy Eye Clinic

Visit us on 8th Street and Broadway Avenue. Free parking is available directly in front of the clinic or behind the Greek Orthodox Church to the right of the clinic