New Treatments for Kids’ Vision Problems

Nearsightedness (myopia) is more than an inconvenience; it is an eye disease. Currently in the US, myopia has reached epidemic proportions in our kids and teens. During the pandemic, practices across the country reported a wide spread increase in the number of young patients with myopia progression. Left untreated myopia leads to other eye diseases such as retinal detachments, glaucoma and cataracts.

Myopia typically starts during childhood or adolescence and can continue to progress until the early adulthood years.

Myopia control refers to various techniques and interventions aimed at slowing down the progression of myopia or nearsightedness. 

There are several methods currently used for myopia control, including:

Multifocal contact lenses: These soft, daily wear contact lenses have different zones with varying levels of prescription power. They can help reduce the progression of myopia by altering the peripheral defocus in the eye. These are specific to children and teens and not the same as multifocal contacts used by adults. Currently there is only one brand that has received FDA Approval for treating myopia. We expect there to be multiple options in the coming years as additional contact lens manufacturers get their designs tested and approved.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This involves using special rigid gas permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight, not unlike wearing a retainer for your teeth while sleeping. These lenses reshape the cornea temporarily, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K has been approved by the FDA to treat and slow down myopia progression since 2005.

Multifocal eyeglasses: Similar to multifocal contact lenses, multifocal eyeglasses have different prescription powers in different areas of the lens. They can help control myopia progression by manipulating peripheral defocus. These multifocal lenses are also specific to kids and teens and not comparable to multifocal used by aging adults.

Outdoor activities: Spending more time outdoors, especially in natural light, has been associated with a reduced risk of myopia progression in children. The exact mechanisms behind this effect are not fully understood, but it is believed that increased exposure to outdoor light may play a role along with increased focusing at a distance.

These methods have shown success in controlling myopia progression especially when treatment begins at an early age. It is recommended that children receive a comprehensive eye exam by age three, prior to starting kindergarten and annually thereafter. Consulting with an eye care professional, such as an optometrist who specializes in myopia control, is recommended to determine the most suitable approach for managing myopia and its progression.

Susan Halstead is a Nationally and NYS Licensed Optician and Owner of Family Vision Care Center at 205 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Susan can be reached at Susan@familyvisioncarecenter.com