Why Is Myopia Control Important?

As myopia, or nearsightedness, becomes increasingly prevalent, especially among children, the importance of myopia control has never been clearer. Myopia is more than just a common vision issue—it can lead to serious eye health concerns if left unmanaged. At Spotlight Optometry, we’re committed to helping families understand the importance of myopia control and exploring effective treatment options that can help safeguard vision for the long term.
 

Understanding Myopia and Its Risks

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision, which can impact a child’s ability to see clearly in the classroom or during daily activities. While glasses or contact lenses can help correct this blurry vision, they do not address the underlying progression of myopia.
 

High myopia, particularly if it progresses over time, increases the risk of severe eye conditions, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Effective myopia control can help slow this progression, reducing the risk of these complications and promoting healthier eyes as children grow.
 

At Spotlight Optometry, we offer a range of myopia control treatments, each designed to slow myopia progression and support optimal eye health.
 

Orthokeratology Lenses (CRT and Abiliti Overnight Lenses)

Orthokeratology, often referred to as Ortho-K, involves the use of specialized contact lenses that are worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while the child sleeps, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
 

• CRT (Corneal Refractive Therapy): These lenses are custom-fitted and specially designed to temporarily reshape the cornea, slowing the progression of myopia. By gently flattening the front surface of the eye, CRT lenses correct nearsightedness and offer clear, unaided vision the next day.

• Abiliti Overnight Lenses: A newer option in myopia control, Abiliti lenses also work overnight to reshape the cornea. These lenses are crafted to be highly breathable and comfortable, providing effective vision correction and myopia management.
   

Ortho-K lenses are a popular choice for children because they eliminate the need for daytime lenses, which is especially useful for active kids who might otherwise struggle with glasses or contact lenses during sports or outdoor play.
 

MiSight Contact Lenses

MiSight contact lenses are a groundbreaking daily soft contact lens option designed specifically for myopia control. Unlike traditional contacts, MiSight lenses have a unique dual-focus design that corrects vision while simultaneously slowing the progression of myopia. Studies have shown that MiSight lenses can effectively reduce myopia progression by up to 59%, making them a highly effective option for young patients.
 

One of the key benefits of MiSight lenses is their convenience. Since they are daily disposable lenses, they eliminate the need for cleaning and storage, making them an easy and hygienic option for kids and teens. For families looking for an effective, low-maintenance solution to myopia control, MiSight lenses are an ideal choice.
 

Why Start Myopia Control Early?

Myopia typically begins in childhood and tends to worsen as the eye grows. Starting myopia control treatments early is crucial for achieving the best outcomes. The sooner we begin managing myopia, the more effective these treatments are likely to be in slowing its progression and reducing the risks associated with high myopia.
 

Choosing the Right Myopia Control Option

At Spotlight Optometry, we can help you make the best choice for your child’s vision. Dr. Chain will conduct a comprehensive eye exam and discuss each treatment option, including CRT, Abiliti overnight lenses, and MiSight lenses, to find the most suitable solution for your child’s needs.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam with Spotlight Optometry Today

Myopia control is a vital step in preserving your child’s eye health for the future. With proactive management and advanced treatments, we can help reduce the impact of myopia and support clear, healthy vision for years to come. 
 

If you’re ready to learn more about myopia control, schedule an eye exam with Spotlight Optometry and take the first step toward a brighter future for your child’s vision. Visit our office in San Diego, California, or call (858) 250-0052 today.