Myopia Control for Children – Slow Down Nearsightedness

Is your child's eyeglass prescription getting stronger every year? You're not alone. Myopia (nearsightedness) is increasing at an alarming rate, affecting more children than ever before. The good news? Early intervention with myopia control can significantly slow down progression and protect your child's long-term vision health.

Myopia typically develops in childhood and progresses throughout the growing years. Without intervention, your child's prescription can continue to worsen, leading to:

• High myopia in adulthood – requiring thick glasses or high-prescription contact lenses for daily activities

• Increased risk of serious eye diseases – including glaucoma, cataracts, myopic macular degeneration, and retinal detachment

• Limited career and lifestyle options – some professions have vision requirements that high myopia can affect

• Reduced quality of life – greater dependence on optical correction for all activities

The earlier we start myopia control, the better the outcomes. Studies show that slowing myopia progression by just 1 diopter can reduce the risk of vision-threatening complications by 40%.

Comprehensive Myopia Control Solutions at Innovation Eye Clinic

Our experienced and knowledgeable optometrists in Kitchener offer the most advanced, evidence-based myopia control treatments available. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions – instead, we create personalized treatment plans based on your child's unique needs, lifestyle, age, and prescription.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – Overnight Vision Correction

Ortho-K uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. They remove the lenses in the morning and enjoy clear vision throughout the day without glasses or daytime contacts.

Benefits of Ortho-K:

• No need for glasses or contacts during the day – perfect for active children and sports

• Proven to slow myopia progression by 30-60% in clinical studies

• Completely reversible and non-surgical

• Freedom from daytime eyewear

• Ideal for children aged 6 and older

Click here to learn more about ortho-k.

MiYoSmart and MyoCare Myopia Control Glasses

For children who prefer glasses, we offer advanced myopia control spectacle lenses:

MiYoSmart Lenses feature Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (D.I.M.S.) technology, which has been clinically proven to slow myopia progression by an average of 60%. These innovative lenses provide clear central vision while creating myopic defocus in the peripheral vision to slow eye elongation.

MyoCare Lenses use Dual-Focus technology with multiple treatment zones that help control myopia progression while maintaining excellent visual clarity.

Benefits of Myopia Control Glasses:

• Non-invasive and easy to use

• No contact lens handling required

• Suitable for younger children

• Durable and impact-resistant for active lifestyles

• Clinically proven effectiveness

MiSight and Abiliti Myopia Control Contact Lenses

Daily disposable soft contact lenses designed specifically for myopia control offer convenience and proven results.

MiSight 1 Day Contact Lenses are Health Canada-approved soft contact lenses proven to slow myopia progression in children. Clinical studies show MiSight can reduce myopia progression by up to 59% and slow eye elongation by 52%.

Abiliti 1 Day Contact Lenses combine optical design with smart ring technology to manage myopia progression while providing clear, comfortable vision throughout the day.

Benefits of Myopia Control Contact Lenses:

• Daily disposable for optimal hygiene and safety

• Clinically proven to slow myopia progression

• Comfortable for all-day wear

• Great for active children and teens

• Easy insertion and removal

Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine (0.01% - 0.05%) is a medication therapy that has shown significant effectiveness in slowing myopia progression with minimal side effects. Applied once daily at bedtime, these prescription eye drops can reduce myopia progression by 30-60%.

Benefits of Atropine Therapy:

• Simple once-daily application

• Minimal side effects at low doses

• Can be combined with other myopia control methods for enhanced results

• Proven effective in numerous clinical studies

• Suitable for most children

Combination Therapy for Maximum Results

For some children, combining treatments can provide the best outcomes. Common combination approaches include:

• Ortho-K with low-dose atropine

• Myopia control glasses with atropine

• Contact lenses with atropine

Our optometrists will discuss whether combination therapy is appropriate for your child's specific situation.

Who Is a Candidate for Myopia Control?

Myopia control is most effective when started early, ideally when:

• Your child is first diagnosed with myopia (typically between ages 6-12)

• Their prescription is progressing rapidly (0.50D or more per year)

• There's a family history of high myopia

• Your child spends significant time on near work activities

However, myopia control can benefit children and teenagers at various ages and prescription levels. During your consultation, we'll assess your child's individual risk factors and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Your Child's Personalized Myopia Control Plan

Step 1: Comprehensive Eye Examination We begin with a thorough eye exam that includes:

• Current prescription measurement

• Eye health evaluation

• Lifestyle and visual habits assessment

• Family history review

• Discussion of myopia risk factors

Step 2: Treatment Selection Based on your child's exam results, age, lifestyle, and preferences, we'll recommend the most suitable myopia control option(s). We'll explain:

• How each treatment works

• Expected outcomes and success rates

• Daily care requirements

• Cost and insurance coverage

• Timeline for results

Step 3: Treatment Implementation Once you've selected a treatment approach, we'll:

• Provide comprehensive training on lens insertion/removal (if applicable)

• Ensure proper fit and comfort

• Address any questions or concerns

• Schedule follow-up appointments

Step 4: Ongoing Monitoring and Management Myopia control requires regular monitoring to ensure effectiveness. We typically schedule:

• Follow-up visits every 3-6 months

• Prescription checks to monitor progression

• Treatment adjustments as needed

The Science Behind Myopia Control

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Traditional glasses and contact lenses correct vision but don't address the underlying eye elongation.

Myopia control treatments work by:

• Creating peripheral myopic defocus that signals the eye to slow its growth

• Reducing accommodative demand during near work

• Altering the way light focuses on the retina to discourage eye elongation

Extensive clinical research supports the effectiveness of these treatments, with studies showing significant reductions in both myopia progression and axial length growth.

Risk Factors for Myopia Progression

Understanding your child's risk factors helps us create the most effective treatment plan:

• Genetics – children with myopic parents are at higher risk

• Age of onset – earlier myopia diagnosis typically means faster progression

• Ethnicity – higher prevalence in East Asian populations

• Lifestyle factors – excessive near work, limited outdoor time, prolonged screen use

• Rate of progression – rapid increases in prescription indicate higher risk

Lifestyle Recommendations to Support Myopia Control

While myopia control treatments are highly effective, certain lifestyle modifications can enhance results:

• Increase outdoor time – aim for 90-120 minutes daily of natural light exposure

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds

• Maintain proper reading distance – keep books and devices at least 30-40 cm from the eyes

• Ensure good lighting – adequate illumination reduces eye strain during near work

• Limit screen time – balance digital device use with other activities

• Regular breaks – encourage frequent breaks during homework and reading

Why Choose Innovation Eye Clinic for Myopia Control?

Our experienced and knowledgeable optometrists in Kitchener are dedicated to protecting your child's vision for life. We offer:

• Comprehensive treatment options – access to all evidence-based myopia control methods

• Personalized care plans – customized treatment based on your child's unique needs

• Latest technology – advanced diagnostic equipment for precise monitoring

• Ongoing support – regular follow-ups to ensure treatment effectiveness

• Family-centered approach – we partner with you to achieve the best outcomes for your child

• Proven expertise – specialized training in pediatric optometry and myopia management

Investment in Your Child's Vision Health

While there is no cure for myopia, myopia control is one of the most important investments you can make in your child's long-term vision health and quality of life. The cost of treatment now is minimal compared to the potential costs and risks associated with high myopia later in life.

Many extended health insurance plans provide coverage for myopia control treatments. We'll help you understand your coverage options and work with you to make treatment accessible.

Take Action Today – Protect Your Child's Vision for Tomorrow

The sooner we begin myopia control, the more we can slow progression and reduce your child's risk of vision-threatening complications. Don't wait for your child's prescription to get worse – early intervention is key.

Schedule a comprehensive myopia control consultation with our experienced optometrists in Kitchener today. Together, we'll create a personalized plan to protect your child's vision for life.