Myopia Control

Q & A

What is Myopia (Nearsightedness) and Myopia Control?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back. Instead of focusing images on the retina—the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye—images are focused at a point in front of the retina. As a result, people with myopia have good near vision but poor distance vision. Several studies indicate that the prevalence of myopia is increasing worldwide, and researchers project that the trend will continue in the coming decades. “Myopia Control” is the term used to describe specific treatments to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children.

Why must we slow progression of Myopia?

Myopia rates have been on the rise, so much so that it is now considered an “epidemic.” In 2010, 30% of the world’s population had myopia and projections predict 50% by 2050. In 2050, 10% will have high myopia (-5.00D or worse). This is of great concern because a high myopic eye is at a much greater risk for sight threatening pathology. Conditions associated with high myopia are myopia macular degeneration, myopic retinopathy, retinal detachment, splitting of the inner layers of the retina, glaucoma, thinning in the periphery retina, cataract development, and vision impairment among a few. At Visionary Eye Center, we work to slow progression to protect your child’s eyes for the future.

How does one slow progression of Myopia?

There are four widely accepted types of myopia control treatments: orthokeratology (OrthoK aka CRT), atropine eye drops, distance-center multifocal contact Lenses, and bifocal eyeglasses. Dr. Westcott develops a treatment plan based on many contributing factors: age, parental myopia, ethnicity, time indoors vs outdoors, time spent on near work, general health, and refractive error. Each factor is considered, risk classification for progression discussed (low, moderate, or high), and appropriate treatment plan implemented. Please be aware, there is a lot of misinformation, and recommendations are made for methods that actually may INCREASE myopia such as “undercorrection,” where the doctor provides a lower prescription than needed. Dr. Westcott stays abreast on all current studies, and literature, practicing evidence based medicine (peer reviewed) to best serve the community.

What is the “MiSight Coopervision Contact Lens Program?”

The MiSight® 1 day lens is clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia when initially prescribed for children 8-12 years old. MiSight 1 day contact lenses were clinically validated in a multi-year comprehensive study that enrolled children between 8 and 12. Over three years, MiSight reduced myopia progression by 59%, versus a single vision 1 day lens.

How does Misight 1 day work?

MiSight 1 day with ActivControl™ Technology helps slow the elongation of the eye and myopia progression, while fully correcting refractive error. Addressing axial elongation helps to reduce the risk of myopia-related vision complications later in life, including irreversible vision loss. Two treatment zones create myopic defocus with image focus in front of the retina, rather than behind it to slow axial elongation. Two correction zones correct myopia in all gaze positions.

The clinical study of MiSight 1 day lenses was the first to demonstrate sustained reduction in myopia progression with a soft contact lense over a three-year period.