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Myopia (nearsightedness) happens because the eye grows too long to be able to focus light on the retina (back of the eye). Children who have parents with myopia are more likely to become nearsighted, but there are other causes of myopia that aren’t fully understood. A study by the National Eye Institute showed that only 25% of people in the US were nearsighted in the 1970s – but now more than 40% are nearsighted.
Once a child develops myopia, the average rate of progression is about 0.50 diopter (D) per year. A diopter is the unit used to measure glasses and contact lens prescriptions. Based on expected progression rates, an average 8 year old child who is -1.00 D, may be -6.00 D by the time he or she is 18 years of age. Myopia generally stops progressing in the late teens to early twenties.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the MiSight® 1 day multifocal contact lens to slow the progression of myopia. Although other treatment options are not FDA approved, numerous clinical studies have shown that low-dose atropine eyedrops and other contact lens options may help slow myopia progression.
Schedule a consultation with the Myopia Management Clinic by calling (212) 938-4015 or emailing myopia@sunyopt.edu for more information. There will be a $65 consult fee that is not covered by insurance.
*** This content is only meant to provide an overview of options. Your child may not be a candidate for all treatment options. You should talk to your doctor about potential treatment options in more detail.
