Myopia Control

As a parent of school age children, you may worry why their eyes get worse every year. It is also very difficult to face the fact  that  myopic progression (the worsening of nearsightedness) will increase the risk of retinal problems and even blindness

For children, nearsightedness usually gets worse each year and the only variables which we do not know is "By how much this time?" What causes myopia? Genetics?, Reading?, Computer? TV?......or All of the above?.  The correct answer is probably all of the above.In animal tests, forcing the focus to occur behind the eye (negative lens) caused a growth of the eyes ( myopic worsening) and forcing the  focus to form in front of the eye (plus lenses) stopped or slowed the growth (or worsening) of the eyes. This phenomenon is called emertropization. According to animal models, we can conclude (because of emertropization) that myopia always gets worse after wearing corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses then when attempting to achieve perfect vision, because corrective lenses overcorrect (are too strong) the eyes for close distances.

 Human studies indicate that the accommodative (focus) status and convergence (eye muscle) status of the eye may play a significant role in worsening of eyes.   It is important  to check the accommodative  status and convergence  status of the eyes to see if they have risk factors for emertropization.  Measuring accommodative status and convergence status may not be a part of normal eye exams that children typically receive. We  examine accommodative status on every patient and spend extra time to check convergence status on everyone by using a special tester.. A correct diagnosis of each child’s visual system and identification of risk factors are key to success on myopia control. 

 Once identification of  risk factors and correct diagnosis are made, we can choose from many options to control myopia using behavioral modifications, vision training, bifocal glasses, reading glasses, bifocal contact lenses, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses and  the best of all, corneal refractive therapy (CRT).  After correct diagnosis and identification of risk factors, Dr. Youn will present the best option for controlling myopia of each child.

Currently modified CRT procedure can stop or nearly stop myopia from progressing. A CRT procedure without modification may be not enough to stop the progression of myopia on the high risk children.  Constant monitoring of each child’s visual system and modification of treatment is needed for successful myopia control. Our experience from all of our modified CRT patients including Dr. Youn's two sons, Peter & Paul, confirms their findings. Peter and Paul have been wearing the same strength CRT since 2003 .

Ask Dr. Youn for an individualized recommendation to reduce the risk of worsening vision of your child.