Myopia Management in Colorado Springs

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We Can Help Keep Myopia in Check

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that affects the way objects are seen: when a patient has myopia, close objects appear clear, and distant objects seem blurry and out of focus.

A recent study indicates there are currently 9.6 million American adults who have myopia, and that number is expected to rise.

At Bettner Vision, testing for myopia is conducted during our comprehensive eye exam. If you are having trouble seeing distant objects, book an appointment at our Colorado Springs Optometry Practice now to discuss ways to help manage this condition for you and your loved ones.

How Does Myopia Develop? 

When the shape of the eyeball is elongated or the angle of the cornea is overly steep, light rays focus in front of the retina instead of on it. This is what causes blurry distance vision.

Generally, myopia develops in childhood and becomes progressively worse until adulthood, at which time it stabilizes.

Myopia can progress during this time until it becomes a more severe version, known as high myopia. High myopia requires heavier prescriptions to achieve clear vision and increases the risk of several eye diseases. 

Because children’s eyes are in a growth phase and not fully developed, myopia may be controlled and the progression of myopia can, in some cases, be decelerated. It is important, however, that your child undergoes a comprehensive eye exam before a management plan can be formulated.

Myopia Management at Bettner Vision

At Bettner Vision, we use several strategies to manage myopia for both adults and children. 

Atropine 0.01% eye drops can help slow myopic progression in some children by relaxing the focusing mechanism within the eye. However, these drops cannot reverse myopia progression. It’s important to note that while these eye drops can be beneficial, your child will still require glasses for clear distance vision. 

Corneal refractive therapy is a form of orthokeratology using specialty contact lenses. These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea while you sleep to correct myopia. The lenses are removed in the morning and you can enjoy clear vision without the need for contacts or glasses.

Paragon CRT lenses work for children and adults, and they are ideal for patients with low to moderate myopia and mild astigmatism. These lenses can be beneficial for managing myopia progression in some children, helping prevent their prescription from worsening.

Research has shown that alongside atropine eye drops, increasing outdoor activities and decreasing the duration of near work can effectively delay myopia development in some children. We can work with you to create strategies for getting your child outside and monitoring their time completing near-work activities.

While not technically a myopia management strategy, adults with myopia (as well as hyperopia and astigmatism) can correct their vision with laser eye surgery. This surgery helps improve your vision with the use of a specialized laser. At Bettner Vision, we offer laser eye surgery consultations and supportive care.

Multifocal glasses and contact lenses feature multiple prescriptions per lens to help children see clearly from near and far distances. Research found these multifocal options help slow myopia progression by up to 51% in 3 years.

Don’t Underestimate Myopia 

Myopia can be more than a nuisance for children as they grow. This condition can lead to a reliance on heavy prescriptions as an adult due to myopia progression, making it more difficult to see. At Bettner Vision, we can help manage this condition. 

Contact us if you or your child has myopia symptoms.

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Our Address

Bettner Vision is conveniently located in the Marketplace at Briargate, on the corner of North Union Boulevard and Family Place. You can find us beside Sushi Rakkyo and the T-Mobile store.

  • 9205 N Union Blvd. #110
  • Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

  • Monday: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday : 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Thursday : 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Friday : 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: By Appointment
  • Sunday: Closed
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