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Telephone: 520-885-2052
Fax: 520-886-7488

Myopia Control

At Tucson Optometry Clinic, we care for children ages 5 and up. Our optometrists can offer eye examinations to pinpoint any issues in your child’s vision and then correct them with the perfect kids’ glasses that your child can show off to their friends. We aim to send you and your child home after your appointment thrilled with your care choice and, if needed, an awesome pair of kid glasses that will help your child see the world with a new perspective.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. It occurs when the eye’s shape is too elongated or the cornea’s curvature is too steep, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

What Causes Myopia?

While the exact cause of myopia is unknown, research suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a significant role in its development. Some of the most common risk factors for myopia include:

  • Genetics: Myopia tends to run in families, and if one or both parents are nearsighted, their children are more likely to develop myopia as well.
  • Age: Myopia usually develops during childhood and adolescence and may progress until the eye reaches its final size in the mid-twenties.
  • Environmental Factors: Spending extended periods of time engaged in close-up work, such as reading, using a computer or smartphone, and playing video games, may increase the risk of developing myopia.
  • Lack of Outdoor Time: Studies have shown that spending time outdoors, especially during childhood, may reduce the risk of developing myopia.

Managing Myopia

While myopia cannot be cured, there are several ways to manage and reduce its progression:

  • MiSight contact lenses: MiSight lenses use dual-focus technology to correct nearsightedness while simultaneously defocusing the light that enters the peripheral retina. This defocusing effect creates a signal to the eye that slows the progression of myopia, which can help reduce the risk of developing more severe myopia-related eye conditions in the future. They are the first and only FDA-approved soft contact lenses for myopia control in the United States.
  • Orthokeratology: Orthokeratology involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea and correct myopia temporarily.
  • Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops: Studies have shown that low-dose atropine eye drops may slow the progression of myopia in children.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Taking regular breaks during close-up work, spending more time outdoors, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can also help manage myopia.

Tucson Optometry Clinic currently offers both MiSight contact lenses and low-dose atropine therapy. These two treatments may be provided separately or as a combination therapy to slow the progression of myopia in children. If you or your child has myopia, please schedule an appointment by calling 520 885 2052 to find out if you would be a good candidate for treatment.

We can help you determine the best course of action based on your individual needs and medical history.