What is Myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition in which the eye grows too long, causing images to be out of focus. If not addressed, the eyes of a child with myopia become longer over time causing them to be more nearsighted. In today's age of increasing computer, phone, and tablet use, myopia is becoming more and more common. 

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Why does it matter?

The blurred vision that comes with myopia is not just an inconvenience. It can also put your eye health at risk of something more serious in the future. People who have extremely high myopia also have increased risk of developing sight threatening complications such as glaucoma, retinal detachments, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy. The more myopic a person is, the higher the risk.

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What can be done to slow Myopia?

The key to preventing your child from developing high amounts of myopia is to slow the progression of the condition early on, before it poses a risk to the eye health. At Moreno Vista Optometry, we offer two methods of Myopia Management to slow the progression of your child's nearsightedness:

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-MiSight 1-Day Contact Lenses

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Our office is certified to fit and prescribe Coopervision's MiSight 1-Day soft contact lenses! These soft contact lenses are specially designed with new "dual focus" technology. This not only allows your child to see clearly without the use of glasses, but it also works to slow the progression of their myopia! In fact, studies have shown that MiSight contact lenses slowed the progression of Myopia by 59% on average in children aged 8-12! MiSight is the first soft contact lens FDA for the treatment of myopia!

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-Low Dose Atropine Eye Drops

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While most children ages 8 and up do very well in the MiSight contact lenses, we also offer another non-contact lens option. Atropine is a safe, medicated eye drop that has been used in eye care for over a century. Many studies show that when it is used regularly at low doses, it can slow down the progression of myopia, just like MiSight contact lenses! Drops can be administered by a parent at bedtime, and should not affect the child's day to day activities. The child will still need to wear their regular eyeglasses during the day. Atropine is a safe and effective alternative option to MiSight lenses!