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Myopia Control At Cockrell Eyecare Center

Understanding Myopia and Its Risks

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, occurs when the eye is too long or has a cornea and/or lens with excessive curvature. This condition leads to blurred distance vision, making it difficult to focus on objects in the distance. Over time, uncontrolled myopia can pose severe risks to your ocular health.

Understanding The Risk Factors for Myopia Progression

  • A family history of myopia, with one or both parents being nearsighted
  • Prolonged near work, such as excessive screen time or reading
  • Limited outdoor activities and exposure to natural light
  • Early onset of myopia, particularly if more myopic than age-expected norms
  • Less hyperopia (farsightedness) than expected for a given age
  • Rapid progression of myopia exceeding 0.75 diopters (D) per year

Why Uncontrolled Myopia is a Concern

Myopia progression causes the eye to elongate, leading to retinal stretching and thinning. This condition can increase the risk of complications such as retinal holes, tears, and detachment, potentially resulting in severe vision loss. Additionally, myopia is linked to a higher risk of glaucoma and myopic macular degeneration, leading to peripheral vision loss and central vision impairment.

The good news is that even reducing myopia progression by just one diopter can decrease these risks by a remarkable 40%.

Prevention for Non-Myopic Individuals

If you or your child have not developed myopia, there are proactive measures to reduce the risk of its onset. Schedule an annual ocular wellness exam at Cockrell Eyecare Center to assess individual risk factors. Outdoor activities, spending 90 to 120 minutes daily in natural light, have effectively reduced myopia’s prevalence. Limiting near work to two hours daily and taking visual breaks every 20 minutes can also be beneficial.

We recommend following the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away. A safe reading distance at the Harmon distance (distance from your eyes to your elbow when your fist is on your chin) is recommended.

Managing Myopia in Myopic Individuals

For those who are already myopic, there is hope in significantly slowing myopia’s progression. At Cockrell Eyecare Center, we offer a range of effective Myopia Control methods, including:

Soft Contact Lenses: Specialty soft multifocal contact lenses that slow myopia progression by creating myopic defocus.

Atropine Eye Drops: Low concentration atropine slows nearsightedness progression without affecting near vision.

Bifocal or Progressive Glasses: Glasses for clear vision at various distances, worn daily to reduce myopia risk.

Corneal Reshaping (Orthokeratology): Overnight contact lenses temporarily change corneal shape for clear vision throughout the day.

Duration of Treatment and Ongoing Care

The duration of Myopia Control treatment varies based on individual needs. However, a general consensus suggests continuing therapy until at least the mid-teens or until myopia progression is less than or equal to -0.25 diopter per year. Our expert optometrists will guide you through the best options tailored to your or your child’s needs.

Please remember that Myopia Control does not eliminate existing myopia or replace vision correction, such as glasses or contact lenses. However, it plays a vital role in preserving long-term ocular health.

Insurance Coverage for Myopia Control

While specific coverage for Myopia Control treatment may not be available, some vision plans, like VSP, EyeMed, or VCD, may cover some of the cost of eyewear and contact lenses.

Contact Cockrell Eyecare Center today at 405-372-1715 or book an appointment online. Our skilled team in Stillwater is dedicated to safeguarding your eyesight and providing top-notch, personalized care for your ocular health.