Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common, especially among children and young people. At Bellport/Coram Perspective Eye Care in Bellport and Coram, we specialize in myopia management to protect your child’s vision and long-term eye health. Here’s what you need to know about myopia, its potential risks, and how we can help.
The Rise of Myopia: Why It’s Happening
According to experts, the prevalence of myopia has been on the rise since the advent of smartphones and other digital devices. While genetics play a role, environmental factors such as increased screen time and less time outdoors are believed to contribute significantly.
- In 2000, about 15% of the population was myopic.
- Today, that number has risen to 30-35%.
- By 2050, nearly half the population may be myopic.
Though research is ongoing, there is a strong correlation between screen time and the growing rates of myopia. While myopia itself is manageable, higher prescriptions can increase the risk of serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, and myopic macular degeneration.
Why Myopia Management Is Crucial
If left untreated, myopia can lead to both short-term and long-term vision issues.
Immediate Lifestyle Impacts:
- Blurry vision affects learning and academic performance.
- Difficulty participating in sports or other activities requiring clear distance vision.
Progression Risks:
- Myopia tends to worsen over time, leading to higher prescriptions.
- Increased risk of serious eye diseases later in life, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.
Managing myopia early helps slow its progression, allowing children to function better in daily life and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
How Myopia Management Works
At Bellport/Coram Perspective Eye Care, we use advanced, evidence-based methods to slow the progression of myopia. The most effective options include:
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
- Hard contact lenses worn overnight reshape the cornea, allowing clear vision during the day and slowing myopia progression.
Specialty Soft Contact Lenses
- FDA-approved lenses, such as CooperVision’s MiSight and VTI NaturalVue Multifocal lenses, are designed to slow myopia progression while providing clear vision.
Atropine Eye Drops
- Low-dose atropine drops relax the eye’s focusing mechanism, effectively slowing the progression of myopia.
Spectacle Lenses
- Special glasses with myopia control designs are in development and show promising results in slowing progression.
How Successful Is Myopia Management?
Myopia management has been shown to slow progression by over 50% for most patients. While myopia cannot be stopped entirely, these treatments significantly reduce its advancement, protecting your child’s vision and eye health.
Cost of Myopia Management
The cost of myopia management depends on the severity of myopia and the treatment options used:
- Costs typically range from $1,700 to $3,000 annually.
- A $1,700 package may include a single treatment, such as soft contact lenses or atropine drops.
- A $3,000 package may involve multiple therapies, such as combining Ortho-K lenses, atropine drops, and specialty glasses.
- The more severe or rapidly progressing the myopia, the more comprehensive the treatment plan may need to be.
Take Control of Your Child’s Vision Today
At Bellport/Coram Perspective Eye Care, we believe that myopia management is an investment in your child’s future. By addressing myopia early, we help ensure your child can enjoy clear vision, thrive academically, and reduce the risk of long-term eye complications.
If you’re concerned about your child’s vision, schedule a consultation with us at Bellport and Coram. Let us help you protect your child’s sight with cutting-edge myopia management solutions tailored to their unique needs.