Myopia Control
When eight-year-old Emma started complaining that her teacher’s writing looked blurry from her desk in the back row, her mother, Sarah, knew something was wrong. Just months earlier, Emma could spot hawks circling overhead during their weekend hikes along the Missouri River. Now, this once eagle-eyed child was squinting at street signs and holding her favorite books closer to her face each evening.
Our team at Vision Source Mandan recognizes how quickly myopia can develop in children and the anxiety parents feel watching their child’s vision change. Because of this, we provide comprehensive vision correction services that go beyond simply prescribing stronger glasses each year, focusing instead on slowing myopia progression through proven control methods.
Understanding Myopia’s Growing Impact
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing distant objects to appear blurry. This progressive condition affects nearly 42% of Americans and has reached epidemic proportions globally, with children experiencing increasing rates of nearsightedness at younger ages than previous generations.
The condition typically develops during school-age years and progresses most rapidly during periods of growth. Children may experience prescription changes every six to twelve months without intervention, leading to increasingly thick lenses and an increased risk of serious eye complications later in life.
Research shows that children who spend more time on digital devices and less time outdoors face increased myopia risk. The combination of close-up visual tasks and reduced natural light exposure creates the perfect environment for excessive eye growth.
Modern Myopia Control Solutions
Fortunately, there are several evidence-based treatments that can considerably slow the progression of myopia in children.
CooperVision MiSight® 1-Day Contact Lenses
CooperVision MiSight® 1-Day contact lenses are one of our most effective and convenient treatment options. These specialized daily disposable lenses are the first and only FDA-approved soft contact lenses specifically designed to slow the development of myopia in children at the time of initial fitting.
MiSight® lenses feature innovative ActivControl® Technology, which creates dual focal points to reduce the stimulus for eye elongation while providing clear distance vision. Clinical studies show these lenses can slow myopia progression by up to 59% over three years, making them an excellent choice for active children and families seeking a simple daily routine.
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology is another proven approach, using specially designed rigid lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. Children wake up with clear vision that lasts throughout the day without needing glasses or contact lenses.
Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops have shown remarkable success in clinical trials worldwide. Applied nightly, these drops temporarily relax the eye’s focusing mechanism, disrupting the growth signals that lead to myopia progression.
The Importance of Early Intervention
Starting myopia control treatment early provides the greatest opportunity for success. Children who begin treatment before their tenth birthday typically achieve better long-term outcomes than those who start later in adolescence.
Early intervention can reduce lifetime myopia progression by 30-60%, dramatically lowering the risk of vision-threatening complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. These eye conditions become more likely as myopia levels increase, particularly in cases of high myopia.
Parents often notice immediate improvements in their child’s confidence and academic performance when vision remains stable. Children participate more actively in classroom discussions, excel in sports, and feel more comfortable in social situations when they can see clearly without constantly adjusting thick glasses.
Our Comprehensive Treatment Approach
Vision Source Mandan begins every myopia control evaluation with advanced diagnostic testing to assess the current level of nearsightedness and identify factors that may influence future progression. We measure eye length using specialized instruments, evaluate corneal shape, and review family history to develop personalized treatment recommendations.
Our doctors work closely with each family to select the most beneficial treatment option based on the child’s age, lifestyle preferences, and individual needs. We consider factors such as participation in sports, comfort with contact lens handling, and parent availability for daily treatment routines.
Regular monitoring appointments allow us to track treatment effectiveness and make adjustments as needed. We measure changes in prescription strength, eye length, and overall eye health to ensure optimal outcomes throughout the treatment period.
Long-Term Benefits and Investment Value
Investing in myopia control today provides significant long-term benefits for your child’s vision and overall quality of life. Preventing high myopia reduces the likelihood of expensive surgical procedures and ongoing medical treatments for vision problems in adulthood.
Many insurance plans recognize the preventive value of myopia control and provide coverage for treatment options. Our staff assists with insurance verification and provides information about flexible payment plans to make treatment accessible for families.
The emotional benefits extend beyond physical vision improvement. Children who maintain stable vision often demonstrate increased self-confidence, better academic performance, and more active participation in extracurricular activities..
Vision Source Mandan: Your Myopia Control Partner
At Vision Source Mandan, our experienced team combines cutting-edge technology with personalized care to deliver exceptional myopia control outcomes. We understand that every child’s vision needs are unique and tailor our treatment approaches accordingly.
We make myopia control convenient and manageable for busy families through flexible appointment scheduling and comprehensive support services. Our devotion to excellence and patient satisfaction has made us a valued choice for families throughout the Mandan area. To learn more about our practice and the experienced professionals who will care for your child’s vision, call us at (701) 663-0313 to schedule your child’s comprehensive myopia evaluation today.
Ready for Crystal-Clear Vision with Contact Lenses?
Don’t compromise on your vision or comfort. The eye care team at Vision Source Mandan is ready to help you find the perfect contact lens solution for your unique needs.