Myopia Management

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a growing concern worldwide. It affects the ability to see distant objects clearly, making activities like driving or watching TV challenging. While myopia can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, there are innovative management strategies that aim to slow its progression. Two such strategies at 20/20 Vision Optometric Center are orthokeratology and the use of designated contact lenses like MiSight and NaturalVue at 20/20.

What is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, or when the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) is too curved. As a result, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Myopia typically begins in childhood and can worsen as the eye continues to grow.

Understanding Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, often referred to as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical treatment that uses specifically designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea. These lenses are worn overnight and removed in the morning, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or regular contact lenses.

How Ortho-K Works

1. Custom-Fit Lenses: Ortho-K lenses are custom-made to fit the unique shape of each patient’s cornea. The optometrist takes detailed measurements of the eye to design lenses that will gently reshape the cornea overnight.
2. Overnight Wear: The patient wears the Ortho-K lenses while sleeping. The lenses apply gentle pressure to the cornea, temporarily reshaping it to correct myopia. This process is painless and safe.
3. Daytime Vision: Upon waking and removing the lenses, the cornea retains its new shape for the day, allowing the patient to see clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
4. Maintenance: The effects of Ortho-K are temporary, so the lenses must be worn every night to maintain clear vision. Regular follow-up visits with the optometrist are essential to monitor the eye’s health and ensure the lenses are working effectively.

Benefits of Ortho-K

• Non-Surgical: Ortho-K offers a non-surgical alternative to laser eye surgery (LASIK), making it a suitable option for children and adults who are not candidates for surgery.
• Myopia Control: Studies have shown that Ortho-K can slow the progression of myopia in children, reducing the risk of developing high myopia, which is associated with serious eye conditions like retinal detachment and glaucoma.
• Convenience: Ortho-K provides clear vision during the day without the hassle of wearing glasses or contact lenses.

Understanding MiSight and NaturalVue Contact Lenses

MiSight and NaturalVue are specially designed soft contact lenses that have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children. Unlike regular contact lenses that correct vision, these lenses are designed with unique optical properties to address the underlying factors contributing to myopia progression.

MiSight Contact Lenses

MiSight contact lenses are daily disposable lenses designed for children with myopia. They feature a dual-focus design that corrects vision while simultaneously reducing the stimulus that causes the eye to grow longer.

1. Dual-Focus Design: MiSight lenses have two zones – one for correcting distance vision and another for providing peripheral defocus. The peripheral defocus helps slow the elongation of the eye, which is a key factor in myopia progression.
2. Daily Disposable: Being daily disposable, MiSight lenses are convenient and hygienic, reducing the risk of eye infections that can occur with reusable lenses.
3. Proven Effectiveness: Clinical studies have demonstrated that MiSight lenses can significantly slow the progression of myopia in children, making them an effective tool for myopia management.

NaturalVue Contact Lenses

NaturalVue contact lenses are another innovative option for managing myopia. They use an extended depth of focus (EDOF) design to address myopia progression.

1. EDOF Design: NaturalVue lenses create a continuous range of focus, which helps reduce the stimulus for eye elongation. This design provides clear vision at various distances while managing myopia progression.
2. Daily Disposable: Like MiSight, NaturalVue lenses are daily disposable, offering the same convenience and hygiene benefits.
3. Comfort and Ease of Use: NaturalVue lenses are designed for comfort and ease of use, making them suitable for children and teenagers who may be new to wearing contact lenses.

How Dr. Cordell at 20/20 Vision Can Support You

Optometrists play a crucial role in managing myopia and guiding patients through the options available. Here’s how Dr. Cordell can help:

Comprehensive Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring the progression of myopia and detecting any changes in vision. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist Dr. Cordell will:

• Measure the eye’s refractive error to determine the degree of myopia.
• Assess the health of the eyes and check for any signs of complications associated with myopia.
• Discuss your lifestyle and vision needs to recommend the most suitable myopia management options.

Custom-Fit Ortho-K Lenses

If Ortho-K is deemed appropriate, Dr. Cordell will take detailed measurements of the patient’s cornea to design custom-fit lenses. She will also provide instructions on how to wear and care for the lenses and schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor progress.

Fitting MiSight or NaturalVue Lenses

For patients opting for MiSight or NaturalVue lenses, Dr. Cordell will fit the lenses and ensure they provide clear vision and comfort. She will educate the patient and their parents on proper lens care and usage and monitor the effectiveness of the lenses in slowing myopia progression.

Education and Support

Optometrists provide valuable education and support to patients and their families. Dr. Cordell will explain the importance of myopia management, how different treatments work, and what to expect during the process. This guidance helps patients make informed decisions about their eye care.

Monitoring and Adjustments

Myopia management is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and adjustments. The 20/20 Vision Optometric Center team will schedule follow-up visits to track the patient’s progress, make any necessary changes to the treatment plan, and address any concerns or issues that arise.

20/20 Vision Optometric Center in Westminster, CA is Here to Support You

Myopia is a common vision problem that requires proactive management to prevent serious complications. Orthokeratology and specifically designed contact lenses like MiSight and NaturalVue offer effective strategies for slowing the progression of myopia, particularly in children. By working with Dr. Cordell, patients can receive personalized care and guidance to manage their myopia effectively. Regular eye exams, custom-fit lenses, and ongoing support from an optometrist are essential components of successful myopia management. If you or your child is struggling with myopia, call us today at 714-775-4454 to schedule a consultation to explore the best options for preserving clear, healthy vision.