Myopia Is a Growing Concern
Myopia (or nearsightedness) is a refractive error that causes objects in the distance to appear blurry while closer objects remain clear. It occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too steep.
Roughly 75% of children with myopia received a diagnosis between 3 and 12 years of age. There is no cure for myopia, but it can be controlled if it’s identified early on. A comprehensive eye exam can determine if your child has myopia, and we’re proud to offer several strategies to manage their symptoms and keep their vision clear.
The Importance of Myopia Control
Myopia is considered a growing public health issue. The condition is linked to increased risks of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. It progresses from a young age until about the age of 20 when vision stabilizes.
Children need good vision to succeed in school, sports, and life. Some children are misdiagnosed with behavioral problems or learning disabilities when in reality, their vision is the problem.
Setting your child up for success includes taking steps to control myopia.
Methods of Myopia Control
Myopia is on the rise in the United States. More than 40% of Americans have myopia, and the condition is expected to continue its upward trend. Studies show that by 2050, almost half of the world’s population will have some degree of myopia.
Using a variety of diagnostic technology and management techniques, we can help your child take control of their myopia progression and keep their vision clear and comfortable. We offer several strategies, and we’ll be happy to personalize their experience to best suit their needs.
In some cases, we can also prescribe corrective lenses that we can match with a spectacular pair of frames! It all starts when your child visits us for an eye exam.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is sometimes compared to braces for the eyes. These specially designed contact lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea and are removed during the day.
Since corneal tissue is very flexible, these lenses work by flattening the cornea. When they’re removed, the cornea stays flat for a while, improving vision without corrective lenses.
While they are rigid gas-permeable lenses, they allow enough oxygen through to the eye to help protect your eye health. The lenses must be worn regularly to correct vision. If you stop wearing them at night, your cornea will return to its original shape.
Atropine
Atropine is a medication available as both eye drops or ointments. Atropine is not a cure for myopia but has effectively slowed myopia, especially when combined with other methods, like bifocal lenses.
Contact Lenses
Bifocal soft contact lenses can be used to slow the progression of myopia in children. MiSight 1 day lenses are suitable for children as young as 8. They’re soft, daily contact lenses that are easy to use and fit. The vast majority of kids who tried the contacts preferred them over glasses.
MiSight® lenses are shown to reduce myopia progression by 59% on average. We offer other brands and options for multifocal contact lenses as well.
Tailored Treatment Plans
We’ll evaluate your child’s unique situation and provide a customized treatment plan. We like to begin with one treatment and then potentially add another so we can evaluate the efficacy at each step. But, if the case is severe, 2 treatments can be started at the same time.
Please book an appointment today to discuss myopia control options for your child.
Where to Find Us
Our practice is located in downtown Los Angeles in Little Tokyo, right across the street from Japanese Village Plaza.
We validate and pay for parking during your visit.
Our Address
- 334-B E. 2nd St
- Los Angeles, CA 90012
Contact Information
- Phone: 213-628-7419
- Fax: 213-620-9110
- Email: [email protected]
Our Hours
- Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Our Eye Care Services
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Los Angeles EyeCare Optometry Group
- 334-B E. 2nd St
- Los Angeles, CA 90012
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P: 213-628-7419
[email protected]