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Expert Myopia Control at Bear Creek Eye Care

Expert Myopia Control at Bear Creek Eye Care

Is your child struggling to see at a distance? Myopia may be to blame. At our practice in Wildomar, our experienced eye doctors can provide effective and personalized solutions to manage myopia.

What Does Myopia Mean?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive eye error that affects the ability to see distant objects clearly. It is a condition that occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, distant objects appear Eye Disorderblurry or out of focus.

Research indicates that by 2050, half of the world's population will be nearsighted. It is widely accepted that there are three leading factors behind the development of myopia: family history, spending a lot of time indoors, and extended near-point focusing. Looking at a near object for a prolonged period can prompt the eye to grow longer and result in myopia.

The Surprising Rise of Myopia in Children

The prevalence of myopia among children has significantly increased in recent years, with approximately one in four parents having a child with the condition. The majority of myopia cases in children (around 75%) are diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 12.

Myopic kids have trouble reading the board at school, playing sports, and engaging in activities requiring sharp distance vision. Some may experience progressive myopia, where their prescription increases yearly, raising their risk of developing pathological myopia.

Pathological myopia is a severe condition that can lead to eye diseases in the future, including retinal detachment, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular atrophy.

Parents must recognize the signs of myopia and seek regular eye exams to manage the condition. Fortunately, various myopia control treatments are available to slow its progression and reduce its impact.

Safe and Effective Treatments for Myopia in Wildomar

At Bear Creek Eye Care, we offer a range of effective treatments to slow down the progression of myopia.

Dr. Wilson and Dr. Chen will closely monitor each child's myopia progression, considering factors like age and family history. After a customized treatment method is determined, we typically recommend follow-up appointments every 3-4 months to monitor progress. We also advise a year of therapy to assess results and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.

Our experienced optometrists utilize the latest technology to monitor the rate of myopia and astigmatism, ensuring that your child receives the best possible care.

Atropine Drops for Myopia Control

Atropine is a medicine that works on the parts of the eye responsible for myopia. By reducing the elongation of the eyeball, it slows down the progression of myopia. Studies have shown that low-dose atropine drops can reduce the rate of eye growth by up to 50% of what the child's projected growth would have been.

Atropine drops must be applied to both eyes once daily at night to be effective. During treatment, your child's eyes will be evaluated at one week and six weeks to ensure the appropriate concentration is prescribed. Then again, at three months and six months after the start of treatment.

Consult with our Wildomar team to determine if low-dose atropine drops are suitable for your child's myopia.

MiSight® Soft Contact Lenses

MiSight® daily soft contacts are FDA approved and are specifically designed to control myopia in children ages 8 to 12. Studies show that children wearing the lenses experienced an average reduction in myopia progression of 59% over three years.

MiSight® lenses should be worn for at least 8 hours daily, six days a week, to achieve the maximum effect.  It is important to have follow-up appointments 3 and 6 months after starting the treatment to monitor the progress.

According to studies, after using the lenses for three years, 90% of children could easily insert and remove the lenses on their own. It makes them a convenient option for children constantly on the go or active in sports.

If your child has myopia, MiSight® soft contact lenses may be a suitable treatment option. Consult with our team to learn more about this effective myopia control method.

Corneal Refractive Therapy (Orthokeratology)

Corneal refractive therapy (CRT), also known as orthokeratology (Ortho-K), is a non-surgical option for treating myopia using specialized ‘retainer’-type contact lenses. The lenses are worn while sleeping, gently reshaping the cornea overnight. It allows patients to see clearly during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

This therapy is a great option for nearsighted children who are active and do not want to wear glasses or regular contact lenses. Since they are only worn at night, they offer convenience and protection from getting misplaced or broken. One pair of lenses lasts up to 12 months, with additional pairs available for a fee.

At Bear Creek Eye Care, our doctors are certified with Paragon CRT®, and we offer detailed testing with advanced equipment to ensure the best fit for your child. We also provide training for the insertion and removal of the lenses, along with proper care guidelines.

After starting CRT treatment, your child must have their eyes checked using a slit lamp and topography testing every two weeks and six weeks. A refractive examination is also necessary every three and six months to see how well the lenses work.

If your child is nearsighted, consider corneal refractive therapy lenses. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilson or Dr. Chenand to determine if it’s the right choice for your child.

Staying Up-To-Date With Myopia Research and Technologies

We are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and technologies in myopia. Our Wildomar optometrists attend conferences and seminars to provide our patients with the most effective treatments available.

Our state-of-the-art techniques include cycloplegic refractions, fundus photography, and corneal mapping. These advanced technologies are used to diagnose and monitor myopia progression in children accurately.

Additionally, we offer a flat fee for all patients, making our services accessible and affordable for everyone.

Don't let myopia dim your child's future. Book an appointment at Bear Creek Eye Care and let's keep those bright eyes shining!

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