Millions of children and adults around the world are affected by myopia—a condition that can impact not only their ability to see clearly but also their long-term eye health. With rates of myopia on the rise, it is crucial to understand the importance of active myopia management and know effective strategies to safeguard your family's sight.
At Conestoga Eye, we take pride in being a trusted provider of expert eye care services in Hershey and Lancaster, PA. Our team is dedicated to helping children, teens, and adults achieve healthier eyes and better vision outcomes through compassionate, state-of-the-art care. We understand the complexities of managing myopia and are here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn how we can help you or your family protect their long-term eye health.
Understanding how to take control of myopia is the first step toward a brighter, clearer future.
What is Myopia & Why is it a Concern?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry, but nearby objects are clear. This occurs because the eye focuses light in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
While glasses or contact lenses can correct these blurry images, myopia isn’t just a minor inconvenience. High degrees of myopia can lead to serious health risks later in life, including a higher likelihood of developing conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.
Children are particularly vulnerable to having their vision worsen over time. If left unmanaged, this progression can lead to high myopia—a severe form of the condition that significantly increases the risk of long-term eye problems.
Understanding Active Myopia Management
Active myopia management is an evidence-based framework designed to slow the progression of myopia and reduce the risks associated with high myopia. Some of the goals of active myopia management include:
- Slowing Progression: By proactively managing myopia in its early stages, we can slow down its progression.
- Protecting Long-Term Vision: Myopia management helps safeguard overall eye health, reducing the chances of complications in adulthood.
- More Than Clear Vision: Vision correction is part of the plan, but active management prioritizes the health and integrity of the entire eye.
This approach is especially impactful for children, where interventions can make a life-changing difference in their vision and future eye health.
Available Treatment Options for Myopia Control
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to treating myopia. At Conestoga Eye, our expert team provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Here’s an overview of some active myopia management strategies we offer:
1. Prescription Glasses
Glasses for myopia control are not yet FDA-approved in the United States. However, through the PEDIG network, Conestoga Eye will participate in a myopia control study that will make these glasses a possibility for enrolled patients.
2. Contact Lenses
MiSight contact lenses for myopia control are available at Conestoga Eye. Just like standard contacts, myopia control contacts help to correct the patient’s current refractive error and are designed with special optics to help slow the progression of myopia.
3. Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops have proven to slow myopia progression in international studies.
The Role of Conestoga Eye in Active Myopia Management
At Conestoga Eye, we understand the impact that myopia can have on a child’s future. That’s why we’re proud to be leaders in advanced myopia management. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing your family with the best possible eye care.
For Myopia Management patients, the care they receive in our Myopia Management Program is self-pay (not covered by insurance). Families select the treatment option that is right for them and pay a yearly program fee, which includes regular visits to the office, additional testing, and the treatment fitting and assessment.
Lifestyle & Environmental Factors
While medical treatments play a critical role, lifestyle habits also influence the development and progression of myopia. Parents can take simple steps to support their child’s eye health, including:
- Encourage Outdoor Play: Spending more time outdoors—at least 2 hours a day—can help reduce the risk of myopia in children. Exposure to natural light is essential for healthy eye development.
- Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time can strain the eyes and contribute to the development of myopia. Teach the 20-20-20 rule to give your child’s eyes a break—every 20 minutes, have them look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Promote Proper Lighting: Make sure your child has adequate lighting when reading or studying. Dim lighting can strain their vision.
Protect Your Child’s Vision with Conestoga Eye
Myopia is becoming increasingly common, but with the right approach, its progression can be slowed—and its risks reduced. Through active myopia management, Conestoga Eye is dedicated to helping families protect their vision for the long term.
If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a comprehensive eye exam for yourself or your child today. Building healthy habits and partnering with experts who care about your family’s future is the best way to ensure clear, healthy vision for years to come.
