A full comprehensive eye examination must be completed by the eye doctor to determine whether you or your child are a good myopia control candidate. If you are interested in myopia control and do not have a regular optometrist, you are welcome to see one of our great doctors.

If you are a candidate, our Optometrist will prescribe and supervise an individualized myopia control program for your specific needs. Myopia control starts with you, the parent and/or guardian. 75-90% of classroom learning occurs through vision. When a child’s vision is not performing optimally, learning and participation in activities is affected. Children are not likely to recognize their own problems with vision, which is why annual check ups with your optometrist beginning at 6 months of age are so important.

Myopia can start at an early age and rapidly progress until age of 17. New studies show that myopia progression can continue between 20 to 30, but at a slower rate. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) about 5,000,000,000 people (50% of the world’s expected population) will be myopic (nearsighted) by year 2050 and approximately 1 billion will be a highly myopic. People with high myopia are at much higher risk of developing eye diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, early cataract, and myopic macular degeneration later on in life.

All children and young adults should have annual eye exams and any kids with myopia of -0.25 or more should be monitored for progression. Remember, eye health exams are covered under Ontario Health until the age of 19 with a valid health card.

Monitoring myopia progression and starting myopia control early on can lead to optimal results. An effective option is Orthokeratology, also known as corneal reshaping. Ortho K lenses control the peripheral hyperopic defocus which is the cause of elongation of the eyeball and therefore progression of myopia. Ortho K or soft contact lenses can be the best option for myopia control, but pharmaceutical agents and special eyeglasses can be considered when the child or parents are not ready for contact lenses. When we fit contact lenses, we will teach them how to use and handle them safely. We have had many patients of all ages learn how to use and benefit from contact lenses through our experienced fitting and contact lens services.

Lifestyle changes can also help slow down the progression of myopia. Studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia early on. Receiving myopia treatment and being monitored by our Optometrist regularly will help guide lifestyle changes. We recommend to reduce unnecessary close work, taking breaks during close work activities, reduced screen time, and spending more time doing outdoor activities.