As a society, it’s our collective responsibility to encourage better outcomes for younger generations. As eye care professionals, this means supporting children’s vision from conditions like myopia, especially as their eyes continue developing.

Myopia control experts are optometrists who are passionate and knowledgeable about myopia management. Finding the right eye doctor requires more than basic care. They can significantly influence your child’s myopia control journey.

Our team is here to make this process more manageable, and we’ve outlined a few things to consider when selecting an optometrist for your child’s myopia control:

• Expertise and credentials in myopia management
• Tailored, evidence-based treatment plans
• Diverse treatment options 
• Child-centred care and communication
• Commitment to long-term partnerships 

Our Eyelab Doctors of Optometry team embody these qualities. Together, we can make the right decisions to promote healthier visual outcomes for your child.

Why Early Myopia Management Matters

Myopia often develops during childhood and progresses rapidly, especially through adolescence when the eyes are still growing. Without proper management, myopia worsens, increasing the chances of developing high myopia.

We categorize high myopia when a person’s vision prescription reaches -6.00 diopters or greater. As myopia progresses, the eye’s shape continues elongating, further stressing the eye’s delicate structures. This increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, including:

• Cataracts 
• Glaucoma 
• Myopic maculopathy
• Retinal detachment or tears

These conditions can negatively affect vision and overall eye health. And, without proper management, they can open the doors to severe complications, such as vision loss.

Physically changing or reversing the eye’s shape isn’t possible. However, we can effectively prevent myopia from progressing with control treatments. Research shows early action can slow eye elongation by almost 80%, offering healthier visual outcomes.

The sooner we start treatment, the better the results. Although young adults can benefit from some myopia control therapies, the younger the child, the more effective these interventions tend to be.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Myopia Control Expert

Selecting the right eye doctor influences the trajectory of your child’s visual outcomes. Choosing the right optometrist goes beyond finding someone who offers myopia treatment.

Here are some key factors to take into consideration.

Expertise & Credentials in Myopia Management

Healthcare professionals are continuously learning and improving their skills. Many optometrists specialize in different areas within the field, such as dry eye therapy or myopia management.

Look for optometrists who are fellows or members of professional organizations, such as the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control. These certifications reflect extensive training in myopia management and a commitment to staying updated with the latest research.

Our Eyelab team are either Fellows or working toward Fellowship status. We’re proud to bring this level of knowledge to our patients.

Tailored, Evidence-Based Treatment Plans

Every child’s eyes are unique, requiring a customized approach to treatment. Generic solutions may not address your child’s specific needs or offer ideal results.

A good optometrist will conduct detailed assessments, including tracking myopia progression and response to treatment, by measuring the length of the eye.

At Eyelab, we integrate technology with healthcare.

For example, with the Medmont topographer, we can accurately create personalized Ortho-K lenses comfortably fitting the shape and size of a patient’s eye. Frequently monitoring our patients’ responses to treatment helps us adjust our approach, tailoring each myopia control plan to people’s unique visual needs.

Diverse Treatment Options

A reputable myopia control optometrist passionate about supporting children’s vision should offer a range of treatment options. Some children benefit from several therapies, not just one. For example, atropine drops can complement multifocal glasses or contacts.

Having a diverse selection of options means an optometrist specializing in myopia control can accommodate a variety of visual concerns.

At Eyelab, we work closely with families to find the most suitable solution, thanks to the variety of effective therapies we offer:

• Ortho-K lenses: While worn overnight, these specialized contact lenses gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day. 
• Multifocal lenses: These contact lenses or glasses reduce eye strain, a factor that contributes to eye elongation. 
• Atropine eye drops: Applying these eye drops once a day relaxes eye muscles, slowing eye elongation. 
• Myopia control glasses: Their peripheral defocus lens technology reduces myopia progression by blurring side vision. 

Child-Centered Care & Communication

Supporting your child’s visual health is a team effort.

Myopia management goes beyond medical expertise, requiring a welcoming and supportive environment for children and their families.

Finding a kind and welcoming optometrist, passionate about educating their patients (and families) about myopia and the treatment process makes this journey more personable for everyone. Clear, open communication fosters trust throughout this process, encouraging patients to ask questions, be honest about their progression, and make any necessary tweaks to the original plan.

From your first appointment, our team prioritizes your child’s comfort. We aim to simplify the journey while empowering families by thoroughly explaining each step.

Commitment to Long-Term Partnerships

Think of myopia management like braces. It’s a long-winding road, requiring time, dedication, and commitment from the professional and your child.

A reliable eye doctor will schedule regular follow-ups to monitor progress, check in with your child, and adjust the treatment as your child’s vision changes. Our team embodies long-term partnerships by connecting with every family. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Safeguard Your Child’s Sight

We all have to do our part to safeguard the future for younger generations. At Eyelab Doctors of Optometry, we pride ourselves on working closely with families and patients, guiding them through their child’s visual journey.

Preventative care can support a healthier future. Connect with our Eyelab Doctors of Optometry team to schedule your child’s myopia control consultation.