Our trusted eye doctors in Markham and Scarborough provide myopia control and ortho-k services in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin Chinese
What is myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a chronic progressive disease that occurs when the eye becomes longer. The incoming light is unable to focus on the back of the eye which causes distance vision to be blurry. Glasses or contact lenses have traditionally been used to treat myopia.
Why is myopia concerning?
It is known that myopia progresses more quickly in younger children. Children who are younger than 12 who already have developed myopia is at greater risk of developing high myopia (-6.00D or more, 26mm axial length or longer).
High myopia increases the risk of eye diseases
Not only will your child’s glasses be thicker, but there are serious risks to having a longer eye as a result of higher myopia. A longer eye increases the risk of developing glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachments and myopic maculopathy (damage to the central retina), which can be vision-threatening and could potentially lead to blindness in adulthood.
Myopia is a worldwide problem
The prevalence of myopia is increasing worldwide. In 2010, 34% of people in North America was nearsighted, and it is estimated to increase to 58% by 2050. There is evidence to suggest that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, myopia is increasing faster than previously predicted.
What is myopia control?
Myopia control is the use of optical or therapeutic treatments to slow down the progression of myopia. There is no way to completely stop the progression, but we can slow it down to prevent the risks of sight-threatening eye diseases associated with a high prescription. The main treatment methods include ortho-k, spectacle defocus lenses, defocus soft lenses, and low-dose atropine eye drops.
What is Ortho-k?
Orthokeratology (ortho-k, AOK, eye braces) is a non-surgical myopia control treatment that uses custom-designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the front surface of the eye, so vision is clear without glasses during the day. These lenses temporarily change the shape of the front surface of the eye, also known as the cornea. Ortho-k provides optical myopia control by reducing the rate of myopia progression by around 50% compared with standard glasses.
No need for glasses or contacts during the day
Ideal for children who are active and enjoy playing sports
The lenses can last for a year or longer
Easier to insert and remove than soft contact lenses
Long history of research to support efficacy in myopia control
Our expert optometrists at Lumen Eyecare Markham and Scarborough have advanced training and extensive experience, and are recognized Canadian leaders in ortho-k fitting, including for high myopia (up to -10.00) and high astigmatism (up to -5.00)
Other Myopia Control Treatment Options
Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses (Misight, Abiliti)
These are daily disposable soft contact lenses worn during the day that can correct distance vision while also changing how light focuses in the peripheral retina to send a “slow down” signal to eye growth.
Defocus Spectacle Lenses (Miyosmart, Stellest)
These are specially designed glasses with a central clear zone with peripheral blur that can correct myopia while also slowing down the progression of myopia. They should be worn full time for best results.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops are medicated drops used at bedtime to help slow down myopia, but does not correct myopia. Some children may experience mild light sensitivity or near blur.
Our expert doctors will determine the best myopia control treatment for your child
First, a comprehensive exam is conducted to assess your child’s visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, binocular vision status, and general health of the eyes.
Once it is confirmed that your child has myopia, the next step would be to do a myopia control consultation that consists of additional testing with axial length (biometry), topography, and fundus photography that will allow the optometrist to determine the most suitable treatment for your child.
My child does not have myopia, what do I do?
Increase time spent outdoors – at least 90 minutes per day. This has been shown to prevent the onset or start of myopia and growing evidence that it can help slow down the progression.
Decrease near work and take frequent breaks. The 20/20/20 rule is a helpful reminder (every 20 minutes take a 20 second looking at something 20 feet or more away).
I think my child has myopia, what do I do?
A comprehensive eye exam should be the first step to determine what the problem is. If they have myopia then your optometrist will discuss what the best option is for their age and level of myopia.
My child has myopia but they don’t want glasses!
AOK also known as orthokeratology is a good option for those who don’t prefer glasses but also provide clear vision for optimal learning. Soft lenses such as MiSight® can also be worn during the day if AOK is not the best choice. Ask your optometrist about myopia control options to see which one is right for you and your child.
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