Presented by See Clear Associates, LLC – New Providence, NJ
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing concern in children and young adults worldwide. More than just needing glasses to see distant objects clearly, progressive myopia can lead to serious long-term eye health risks such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. At See Clear Associates, LLC in New Providence, NJ, we specialize in personalized myopia control strategies that aim to slow the progression of nearsightedness and preserve your child’s vision for a lifetime.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. It typically begins in childhood and can progress rapidly, especially during growth spurts. The condition occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Why Is Myopia Control Important?
Untreated progressive myopia can lead to high myopia, which increases the risk of several serious eye diseases. Myopia control isn’t just about reducing the need for stronger glasses—it’s about protecting the long-term health of the eyes. Intervening early can reduce the risk of complications and help maintain better vision into adulthood.
Myopia Control Treatments Offered at See Clear Associates
At See Clear Associates, LLC, we provide evidence-based treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs. These include:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. This provides clear vision during the day without lenses and helps slow myopia progression.
- MiSight® Daily Disposable Soft Contact Lenses: FDA-approved lenses proven to reduce the rate of myopia progression in children.
- Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops used nightly to slow eye elongation in children. This treatment is safe and effective, especially when monitored regularly.
- Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: These contact lenses help reduce eye strain and signal the eye to slow its growth.
- Lifestyle Recommendations: Reducing screen time, increasing outdoor activity, and maintaining proper lighting during reading are key behavioral strategies to support clinical treatments.
Comprehensive Q&A: Myopia Control
Q: At what age should my child be evaluated for myopia control?
A: Ideally, children should receive their first comprehensive eye exam by age 5. If there is a family history of myopia or signs of nearsightedness, evaluation and myopia control should begin as early as age 6.
Q: How do I know if my child’s myopia is progressing too quickly?
A: Signs include frequent prescription changes (every 6-12 months), squinting, headaches, eye strain, or difficulty seeing the board at school. At See Clear Associates, we monitor axial length (the length of the eyeball) and prescription changes to track progression accurately.
Q: Is Ortho-K safe for children?
A: Yes. Orthokeratology lenses are safe for children when fitted and managed properly by an experienced optometrist. With proper hygiene and follow-up care, the risk of complications is very low.
Q: How effective are atropine drops for controlling myopia?
A: Low-dose atropine (typically 0.01% to 0.05%) has been shown in clinical studies to reduce the progression of myopia by up to 60%. The drops are well-tolerated and do not significantly affect near vision.
Q: Can my child still wear glasses during myopia control treatment?
A: Absolutely. Some treatments, like atropine drops or lifestyle modifications, may be used alongside glasses. Others, like Ortho-K or MiSight lenses, may eliminate the need for glasses during the day.
Q: Will my child outgrow myopia?
A: No, myopia generally stabilizes in the late teenage years or early twenties, but it does not reverse on its own. That’s why early intervention is crucial to minimize lifelong vision risks.
Q: How long will my child need myopia control treatment?
A: Most children continue treatment through their mid-teen years until their vision stabilizes. Our team at See Clear Associates will regularly reassess and adjust your child’s plan as needed.
Protecting Your Child’s Vision Starts Today
At See Clear Associates, LLC, we are committed to preserving and enhancing your child’s vision with cutting-edge myopia control solutions and compassionate care. Early detection and proactive treatment can make all the difference in your child’s visual development and long-term eye health.
To schedule a myopia control consultation, contact us today:
📍 See Clear Associates, LLC
1811 Springfield Ave
New Providence, NJ 07974
📞 Phone: (908) 277-3116
🌐 Website: www.seeclearassociates.com