Why do we need to worry about increasing myopia/nearsightedness?

Increasing myopia causes worsening distance vision requiring higher prescription corrective lenses.  More importantly, the eye grows longer during this process which causes stretching of the retina.  This results in a higher rate of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.  Our myopia management program aims to slow down deteriorating vision and protect the longterm health of the eye.  There are several methods to decrease the progression of myopia and our doctors customize a treatment plan for each patient.

What is orthokeratology?
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), also known as corneal reshaping therapy, is a non-surgical method to correct your vision while you sleep. Custom designed hard contact lenses are worn overnight to reshape the front of the eye (the cornea), during which the lenses painlessly reshape the cornea by flattening its surface in order to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. When you remove the lenses in the morning, you will be able to see clearly throughout the day without the aid of glasses or contacts. If Ortho-K is discontinued, the effects are completely reversible as the cornea and prescription returns to its original shape and power.  Ortho-K has been well-studied and used globally for over 20 years.  Research has shown that, in the long run, children under the age of 18 wearing these lenses are able to control and slow down their nearsightedness progression by 80%.

Can soft contact lenses help control myopia?

For unique prescriptions or for those who prefer wearing contacts during the day, soft contact lenses can be the best option to manage myopia.  Soft multifocal contact lenses are specialty lenses with different powers in different zones of the lens.  They are worn during the day and the lenses correct your overall vision.  There are several lenses specifically designed for myopia management including 1 day, 1 month, and 3 month disposables.  We are certified to fit the only daily multifocal contact lens FDA approved for myopia control called the Misight lens.

Can eye drops be used to control myopia?

Specialty eye drops called low-dose Atropine have been shown to safely reduce the progression of myopia in children.  They relax the focusing muscles in the eye with little to no effect on near vision.  They are used nightly and are best for children who are not ready for contact lenses or as an adjunct therapy.

What if I prefer to wear glasses?

Specialty multifocal eyeglasses have different powers in the lens and have been shown to slow down the progression of myopia when compared to regular single vision lenses.  Ideal candidates include children 12 and under or those who are not ready for contact lenses.  We are certified to fit MiyoSmart glasses with the award winning D.I.M.S. technology, Stellest glasses with H.A.L.T. technology, and Misight Spectacle Lenses with Diffusion Optics Technology.

Why choose Avenue Eyecare for myopia management?

Our optometrists are passionate about helping children manage their myopia and continue to learn and become certified in the newest available methods.  Every child has unique circumstances based on their environment, lifestyle, genetics, and risk  level.  We take all these into consideration when working with each family. We are the first clinic in British Columbia to incorporate the Lenstar Myopia to monitor and educate patients about their progress.  This tool allows us to closely monitor a child’s prescription change and axial length (length of eye from front to back) over time to ensure they are on a successful trajectory.

Optometry Services