Myopia Management for Pediatric Patients

Myopia management or myopia control treatment options for pediatric patients include:

1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-k is a non-surgical treatment that uses specialized contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea of the eye overnight. This can help reduce or even eliminate the need for corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses during the day. Ortho-k has been found to be effective in slowing down the progression of myopia in children and adults.
2. MiSight contact lenses: MiSight is an FDA-approved brand of daily single-use soft contact lenses that are specifically designed for myopia control. They work by using a dual-focus design to reduce the strain on the eye's focusing mechanism. Studies have shown that MiSight lenses can significantly slow down the progression of myopia in children.
3. Atropine eye drops: Atropine eye drops are a medication that can be used to slow down the progression of myopia. Atropine works by relaxing the eye's focusing mechanism, which can help reduce the strain that causes myopia to worsen. However, atropine can cause side effects such as sensitivity to light and blurry vision, and the long-term effects of using atropine for myopia control are still being studied.
4. Multifocal contact lenses: Multifocal soft contact lenses are lenses that have different prescriptions in different parts of the lens, allowing for clearer vision at multiple distances. Studies have shown that multifocal contact lenses can slow down the progression of myopia in children.
5. Outdoor activities: Encourage kids to spend time outdoors has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of myopia in children. It is thought that the bright outdoor light may help regulate the growth of the eye.

It's important to note that not all myopia management options may be appropriate for every child. It's important to consult with an eye doctor to determine the best course of action for managing myopia in pediatric patients.