Myopia Management | Luminousvisioneyecare

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is more than just needing glasses—it’s a growing global health concern, especially among children and teens. With rates rising rapidly, myopia management has never been more important.

Myopia Is on the Rise—Fast

Recent studies show a dramatic increase in childhood myopia:
In the 1990s, global prevalence among children was around 24%—by 2023, it had jumped to 36%, and is projected to hit 40% by 2050, affecting over 740 million children and teens worldwide.
In East Asia, adolescent myopia rates already exceed 80–90%, with some urban areas reporting up to 96% among young adults.
In the United States, myopia prevalence among ages 12–54 rose from 25% in the 1970s to over 40% by 2004, with younger generations showing faster onset.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, with increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity contributing to faster progression.

What Is Myopia Management?

Myopia management uses specialized treatments to slow progression and reduce the risk of long-term eye health issues like:
Retinal detachment
Glaucoma
Macular degeneration

Treatment Options

Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Used nightly to slow eye growth in children
Concentrations like 0.01% to 0.05% have shown reduction in myopia progression
Minimal side effects at lower doses, such as mild light sensitivity or reduced near focus
Often combined with glasses or contact lenses for full vision correction

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Special rigid lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea
Provides clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts
Shown to slow axial elongation and myopia progression effectively
Great for active kids and teens who prefer not to wear daytime correction

Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses

Designed to create peripheral defocus, signaling the eye to slow growth
FDA-approved options like MiSight 1 Day have shown up to 50% reduction in progression over several years
Comfortable and familiar for older children and teens

Lifestyle Adjustments

Outdoor time: At least 90 minutes daily can significantly reduce risk and slow progression
Screen breaks: Following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) helps reduce eye strain
Reducing close-up work and increasing natural light exposure are key preventive strategies

Prevention Starts Early

Studies show that increasing outdoor time can help:

Adding 40 minutes of outdoor play daily reduced new cases of myopia by 23% over three years.
Children who spend 1–2 hours outdoors per day have significantly lower risk of developing myopia.

Why It Matters

80% of classroom learning is visual, according to studies by UCLA and the American Optometric Association.
Children rely heavily on their vision for reading, writing, board work, and digital learning—making clear eyesight essential for academic success.
Vision problems can lead to poor focus, reduced participation, and lower confidence in school.

Managing myopia early helps preserve long-term vision and improves quality of life. It's not just about clearer sight—it’s about protecting eye health for years to come.

At Luminous Vision Eyecare, Dr. Zayed and our team are passionate about guiding families through personalized myopia management. From cutting-edge exams to customized plans, we're here every step of the way.