MYOPIA CONTROL
Myopia, or "near-sightedness," is a common vision condition where close objects appear clear, but distant objects look blurry. This happens when the eye is slightly longer than normal or the cornea is too curved, causing light to refract incorrectly onto the retina.
Research shows that myopia is becoming increasingly common in children. High myopia can raise the risk of developing more serious eye conditions later in life, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal detachments.
Addressing myopia early in childhood leads to better outcomes. Eye care professionals have shifted from simply updating glasses prescriptions as myopia progresses to adopting more proactive methods aimed at slowing its advancement.
About Myopia
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Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry, but nearby objects remain clear. This happens when the eye is too long or the cornea is overly curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The degree of an individual’s myopia is typically indicated by the edge thickness of their glasses and the negative number (a measure known as diopters) listed on their contact lens package or glasses prescription. The greater the negative number, the more severe the myopia. Myopia often starts in childhood and can progress rapidly during periods of growth, typically stabilizing in adulthood.
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Kids don't always realize they have vision problems, especially when it comes to nearsightedness. They may not complain about blurry distance vision because things like their iPad or TV still look clear. As a parent, you might notice signs like squinting, sitting too close to the TV, or moving closer to the front of the classroom. The best way to know for sure is by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam.
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Not always. School vision screenings typically focus on basic visual acuity and may miss conditions like myopia, hyperopia, or other eye health issues. These screenings use limited tools and don't assess critical aspects such as binocular vision, refractive errors, or overall eye health. In fact, studies suggest that up to 75% of eye problems may be overlooked in such screenings.
The school years are a critical time for a child's visual development. Ensuring that children have clear vision is essential to supporting their learning and overall growth. During this period, their eyes undergo significant changes, and regular visits to an optometrist can help monitor and guide this development. If vision issues like myopia arise, early intervention is key. While myopia can’t be reversed, treatments are available to slow its progression, helping to minimize its impact on your child’s life and learning. Myopia control focuses on reducing the rate of progression to protect long-term eye health.
Why Treat
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Myopia has become increasingly prevalent worldwide in recent decades, presenting significant challenges to eye health. People with high myopia face a higher risk of developing serious, sight-threatening complications later in life. This occurs because myopia causes the eye to elongate, which leads to thinning of the eye’s layers, increasing risk to certain conditions. Managing myopia early on, especially in children, can help reduce the risk of these complications later in life. Regular eye exams and early interventions are critical for those with high myopia.
Some of the most serious complications associated with high myopia include:
Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases caused by increased pressure inside the eye, which can lead to vision loss. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in individuals over 60, and regular eye exams are essential for early detection, especially in those with high myopia.
Cataracts: This condition occurs when the eye's lens becomes cloudy over time, leading to blurred vision that glasses or contacts cannot correct. Research shows that those with severe myopia, particularly before age 20, have a higher risk of cataracts, though the exact reasons remain unclear. One theory suggests that the elongated eye structure in myopia may interfere with nutrient delivery to the lens.
Retinal tears: The retina, which lines the inside of the eye and helps us see, is more prone to tearing when it’s thinner. Retinal tears can lead to vision loss, and large tears can lead to detachment.
Retinal Detachment: This occurs when the retina separates from its position at the back of the eye. A major warning sign is a sudden increase in "floaters"—dark spots or lines in the field of vision. Retinal detachment requires urgent medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
Myopic Maculopathy: This condition develops when the elongation of the eye causes deterioration in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. This can severely impact vision quality over time.
MiSight Treatment
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MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses are specifically designed for myopia control and are FDA-approved to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8 to 12 at the start of treatment. As a daily disposable lens, it features a dual-focus optical design that not only allows your child to see clearly but also signals the eye to slow down its growth. This helps reduce the risk of developing serious eye health conditions later in life, while supporting your child’s vision needs today.
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Children can safely wear both soft and hard contact lenses. MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses are specially designed for myopia control and have FDA approval to slow myopia progression in children aged 8 to 12 when treatment begins. Many children in this age group are fully capable of caring for their lenses, including inserting and removing them safely, with parents providing assistance when needed. Daily disposable lenses, like MiSight 1 day, are considered the healthiest option for soft contact lenses and are safe for age-appropriate children when used under the supervision of an eye care professional.
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In most cases, yes. A recent three-year study on MiSight 1 day contact lenses found that 90% of children, including those as young as 8, were able to insert and remove the lenses by themselves. Another study demonstrated that children quickly learn this process, with 57% finding lens insertion easy by the first week, and this number improving to 90% by one month. With a bit of guidance on how to safely insert and remove the lenses, your child will likely find the experience manageable and comfortable.
MiSight Myopia Management Program
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The MiSight Myopia Management Program at Vision Source Mustang consists of three phases.
Phase 1: Comprehensive Eye Exam
Phase 2: Initial Treatment with Insertion and Removal Training
1 week follow-up
6 month follow-up
9 month follow-up (if needed)
Phase 3: Continued Treatment (Year 2+)
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Yes. The Initial Treatment and/or Continued Treatment fee may be paid in full, or split into two equal installments (first half paid at the Insertion and Removal Training and second half paid at 6 Month Follow-Up). We accept cash, check, most major credit cards and Care Credit. In addition, you can also take advantage of your personal health savings accounts (HSA) or employer-based flexible spending accounts (FSA) to help cover the MiSight program cost.