Myopia Management is Life Changing
Welcome to a place where your vision challenges meet compassionate care and innovative solutions.
What is Myopia?
Myopia, or “near-sighted”, is the ability to see objects up close clearly, but distant objects are blurry.
Young children undergo incredible growth and development, and their vision also undergoes crucial developmental steps. With every growth spurt your child’s eye is elongating and the cornea is steepening. As a result, light that usually focuses on the retina instead ends up focusing in front of the retina, causing faraway items to appear out of focus. Although glasses can be used to refocus, they do not slow down the elongation of the eye or halt the progression of myopia.
The number of children with myopia has dramatically increased over the past 10-20 years. According to a 2009 study, approximately 42% of Americans ages 12-54 are affected by myopia, which is roughly double the amount from the generation prior. Fortunately, the options for myopia management have also increased.
The Myopia Management Specialists in Charlotte
One of the main focuses of the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute is the treatment of myopia progression and we have advanced technology which aids in both the diagnosis and design of truly custom myopia management solutions.
Our doctors lecture at conferences and meetings nationwide on the topic of myopia management and are well-versed in various myopia management treatment options, and the latest myopia management studies, research, and data. Myopia management treatment can result in dramatic improvements in vision and overall health, and our doctors are truly passionate about helping children and teens see to the best of their ability.
If you haven’t heard much about myopia, you’re not alone. We would be happy to help answer questions, and can be reached at (704) 800-5230 or hello@charlottecontactlens.com.
Options for Myopia Management
There are three main options to help slow the worsening of a child’s vision.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-k)
Orthokeratology (Ortho-k)
MiSight
MiSight
Atropine
Atropine
An Intro to Ortho-k
Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, is the use of specially designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea, in order to improve vision. This type of treatment is compared to “braces for the eyes”. Most ortho-k lenses are worn at night to reshape the front surface of the eye while the wearer sleeps.
The main benefit of ortho-k is that it is proven to help slow the progression of myopia. Additionally, children in ortho-k have freedom from glasses or contacts during the day. This freedom from glasses during the day has been shown to provide academic and/or sports performance improvements, as well as potential mental health benefits in some circumstances.
More information on ortho-k is available here. We would be happy to answer your questions, and can be reached at (704) 800-5230 or hello@charlottecontactlens.com.
An Intro to MiSight
CooperVision’s MiSight 1 Day Contact Lenses are an FDA-approved daily wear, single-use contacts that have been shown to slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children aged 8 to 12 years old at the start of treatment. Slowing the progression of myopia in children may reduce their risk of developing severe eye diseases such as macular degeneration, retinal detachment and glaucoma later in life.
Myopia, which typically occurs in school-aged children is an eye condition where nearsightedness likely will continue to increase until the time the child turns about 20. According to the American Optometry Association, 34% of children ages 12-17 are myopic. However, for some ethnicities and groups of individuals the prevalence of myopia may be much higher.
More information on MiSight is available here. We would be happy to answer your questions, and can be reached at
(704) 800-5230 or hello@charlottecontactlens.com.
An Intro to Atropine
Atropine is an eye drop that is taken nightly to help slow myopia progression. It should be noted that atropine does not correct a child’s vision. Depending on the situation, atropine can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or in conjunction with myopia management correction options such as ortho-k or MiSight. Atropine oftentimes can be prescribed for children who are not quite ready for contact lenses.
Importantly, we prescribe .05% atropine at our office as the latest research recommends this as the best dose for myopia control outcomes and safety.
Why Charlotte Contact Lens Institute for
Myopia Management?
The Team
The team at Charlotte Contact Lens Institute are experts in myopia management, including ortho-k, MiSight, and atropine.
Advanced Technology
Our office is one of a few practices in the country that is equipped with the Pentacam AXL Wave and Optovue Solix OCT, which aid in the design and (potential) adjustment of myopia management contacts.
Unlimited Answers
We allow for enough time for thorough comprehensive exams, and plenty of time for answering questions. No rushing in and out here.
Myopia Management Specialists
At our office, myopia management is "what we do", which provides us the expertise, experience, and ability to have specialized technology so we can provide the best possible care, and results.
Access to the Doctor
Our doctors are available to answer questions you have after your exam, and will make sure you have the information needed in order to ensure the best possible outcome.
Affordability
We keep our overhead costs low and offer very competitive prices as a result. We have monthly payment options available and also accept CareCredit™, HSA, & FSA.
Summary
Myopia management is a major focus area of our practice, and one of the main reasons the Charlotte Contact Lens Institute was established. Although a referral from another doctor is NOT necessary to become our patient, our office receives referrals from 100+ doctors in the surrounding area who trust us to care for their specialty lens and myopia management patients.
We receive these referrals because we have a deep expertise in the area of myopia management and use truly advanced medical instruments that are only found in a few doctor’s offices nationwide. A typical comprehensive exam at our office takes 1.5 hours, which leaves plenty of time for answering questions. This time is spent one-on-one with the doctor, which allows us to provide the most exceptional and compassionate care possible.
Our doctors are nationally recognized for their knowledge of the most up-to-date research and effective methods of myopia management, including ortho-k, MiSight, and atropine. Both Dr. Helin and Dr. Cerenzie regularly present at both local and national meetings and conferences, where they share the latest research and fitting techniques with other doctors. Additionally, Dr. Cerenzie has been honored with the distinction of Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society (FSLS), which is bestowed on advanced level practitioners within the specialty lens industry. In fact, currently there are only approximately 300 members worldwide of this elite group of specialty contact lens doctors.
If you have questions about myopia management, we can be reached at (704) 800-5230 or hello@charlottecontactlens.com.
Our Doctors Lecturing on Myopia Management
Additional Resources
See below for a few helpful links with additional information.