Myopia Management
Slow the progression of nearsightedness
The myopia management clinics at the Illinois Eye Institute offers several advanced evidence-based customized treatment options to prevent the onset or reduce the progression of myopia in pediatric patients.
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The Center for Myopia Control specializes in optometric care of children and young adults with myopia. In addition to providing conventional glasses to clear vision, our services include options for controlling the progression of myopia.
We use specialty equipment and techniques to comprehensively evaluate the refractive errors, ocular size and shape of our patients’ eyes. These measurements – along with myopia progression history – are used to determine an optimum management strategy which may include specialty contact lenses or eye drops, outlined below.
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What causes myopia?
Myopia has become increasingly prevalent. In the US, levels of myopia have reached 50%, while in Asia they are at epidemic levels. Both genetics as well as visual habits contribute to the progression of myopia. If both parents are myopic, then their child is more than 5x more likely to develop myopia themselves. Other factors such as minimal amounts of time spent outdoors, increased time devoted to near activities (smartphones, laptops, etc), as well circadian rhythm may play a role.
Why try to control myopia growth?
While myopia is partly genetic, current research points to environmental factors contributing to this epidemic. Minimal amounts of time spent outdoors, increased time devoted to near activities (smartphones, laptops, etc), as well circadian rhythm could be affecting the development of childrens' eyes during these critical years of growth.
Although some children's myopia progresses at an earlier age than others, myopia increases typically occur between 7-18 years of age. Myopia is more than an inconvenience that causes children to need stronger glasses each year. It is a disease that may continue progressing into adulthood and is associated with an increased risk of eye diseases such as: Retinal detachments, Glaucoma, Cataracts and Macular degeneration.
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Typically, the higher the myopia, the greater the risk of developing these conditions. However, research now indicates that any amount of myopia increases the risk of vision-threatening eye problems in later life.
What are treatments for controlling myopia?
Current research shows effective slowing of myopia progression with following methods of management
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Low dose atropine
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This involves instillation of a daily medicated eye drop in each eye. Research shows low concentration (0.01% to 0.05%) atropine has slowed myopia progression by about 60 percent without significant side effects as with higher concentration atropine (such as increasing pupil size or decreasing near vision). These eye drops are also sometimes used in combination with the above contact lenses to better slow myopic progression.
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MiSight® 1 day Contact Lenses:
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The MiSight® 1 day daily disposable contact lens is currently the only FDA approved treatment in the United States for slowing the progression of myopia. The MiSight® 1 day contact lens, which is supported by CooperVision’s Brilliant Futures program, was found to slow the progression of myopia by 59% during the study that supported this product’s approval. ICO is one of the first clinics in the United States to be certified to use this product.
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Daily wear multifocal soft contact lenses
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This involves wearing multifocal soft contact lenses during the daytime only as the method of nearsighted correction. The FDA has approved the use of these lenses for the purpose of myopia control.
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Overnight orthokeratology contact lenses
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This involves wearing specially designed orthokeratology contact lenses while sleeping overnight as the method of nearsighted correction. Successfully fit orthokeratology lenses are removed upon awakening and provide clear uncorrected vision throughout the day.
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Why choose IEI Myopia management clinics?
The Illinois College of Optometry and Illinois Eye Institute has been leading the research in myopia management. IEI has led and are actively conducting multiple clinical studies to slow the myopia progression including studies funded by the National Institutes of Health along with other world known leading research institutions.
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In addition to our clinical and scientific expertise, IEI myopia management clinic offers the state-of-art instrument, latest technology and treatment options to develop a customized treatment plan for your child.
Make an Appointment
If you have any questions or would like more information about our service you can contact us the following ways:
Myopia Service: (312) 949-7249
IEI Main: (312) 225-6220
Email: myopia@ico.edu