Myopia can affect learning
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a chronic progressive disease that occurs when the length of the eye becomes too long. The light coming in is then unable to focus on the back of the eye, also known as the retina. This causes distance vision to be blurry and can affect a child’s ability to see and learn properly in a classroom setting.
More than ever before, online learning is an essential part of education
This increases the risk of your children becoming myopic (nearsighted). It has been shown that minimal time outdoors (less than 2 hours per day) and increased near work for longer duration increased the risk developing myopia and increasing myopia progression.
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.
High prescriptions increase 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.
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.
What is AOK (accelerated ortho-k)?
AOK or ortho-k is the science of using nighttime contact lenses to allow for clear vision and myopia control. These are oxygen permeable hard lenses worn only at night to temporarily change the shape of the front surface of the eye also known as the cornea. This allows for clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts, and will provide optical myopia control.
Parents can have control over the myopia control process
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
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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