A Better Myopia Treatment for Children

Child looking through binoculars

Do you know the definition of myopia?

Chances are, you know more than you give yourself credit for. You’ve likely heard myopia’s more familiar term “nearsightedness,” and if you are one of the more than 40 percent of Americans with the condition, you’re probably better acquainted with its effect on daily life more than you are with what Webster’s Dictionary has to say about it.

But since we mentioned the definition, here it is: myopia or nearsightedness is the inability to see objects clearly at a distance. It happens when your eyeball becomes elongated or the cornea — the protective outer layer of your eye — is too curved, the light that enters your eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of directly on it, where it’s needed for optimal clarity.

Myopia has become particularly prevalent among children, and its instances are steadily increasing.1 We’ve witnessed the trend firsthand at Valley Eye Associates as our younger patients are increasingly needing interventions for myopia.

One of the best interventions we’ve found is the Brilliant Futures™ program developed by CooperVision. Through the program, certified eye care practitioners can identify children who will benefit from the MiSight 1 day and fit them for the lenses. The MiSight 1 day lenses are designed for wear by children ages 8-12. For maximum benefit, it is recommended that they wear the lenses six days per week for ten hours per day.

The results have been significant — both in terms of outcomes and peace of mind. “MiSight has been a great option that we’ve been able to offer our patients that was designed specifically for slowing the progression of myopia (nearsightedness). The kids have done extremely well and parents are pleased with the outcomes so far!,” said Dr. Angela Rodriguez, an optometrist at Valley Eye Associates and certified Brilliant Futures practitioner.

To schedule your child’s appointment, call us at (800) 344-4443.

1. Cooper, Y. (2019, May 1). With Childhood Myopia Rates on the Rise, the American Optometric Association Highlights the Importance of Early Intervention through Annual Eye Exams. Retrieved from https://www.aoa.org/about-the-aoa/press-room/press-releases/myopia-rates-on-the-rise