Myopia Control: Surgical & Non-Surgical Management
“Myopia”, or nearsightedness, has become a big problem in today’s world. The prevalence of myopia is rising. A recent estimate in 2016 put the number of myopic individuals at 1.4 billion (~20% of the world population). By 2050, that estimate is projected to grow to 4.7 billion (~50% of the world population).
Choosing to intervene can reduce the risk of your child developing dangerously high levels of myopia and the need for thicker glasses/contacts, as they become adults. Evidence indicates that higher myopic individuals are also at a greater risk for early-onset cataracts, retinal detachments, and macular degeneration. Refractive surgeries, like LASIK, also may not be possible if myopic prescriptions become too high.
The American Optometric Association defines “myopia” as a condition where uncorrected individuals can see near objects clearly, but objects in the distance appear blurry. “Myopia Control” refers to worldwide control efforts, initiatives, and clinical practices designed to combat the increasing prevalence of nearsighted children/teenagers.
Numerous studies and recent advances in the field of Myopia Control have made it possible for optometrists to design individualized treatment programs to manage myopic levels in children and teenagers. Our practice incorporates the latest evidence-based research from around the world into treating what has been deemed by many to be a global epidemic.
Here at San Diego Center for Vision Care, we offer the following treatment modalities:
- Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)
- Soft Multifocal/Bifocal Contact Lenses
- Low-dose Atropine Ophthalmic Solutions Eye Drops
Until there is cure for nearsightedness altogether, the purpose of our newest clinic aims to curb these rapidly rising rates of myopia in the current population of children and teenagers who are at-risk for potential onset of myopia or would like to slow the progression of their myopia.
If you would like to have your child evaluated to determine their candidacy, we offer free consultations to talk about different options based on your child’s individual characteristics and lifestyle.
For more information, here is a TEDx Talk by Dr. Nicolas A Childhood Disease Worth Preventing | Nicholas Despotidis | TEDxAsburyPark published in July 2018.