Who should consider myopia management or myopia control?

Most myopia control studies have been conducted on nearsighted children ages 6-12 as they are at the greatest risk for progression; this concern increases if one or both parents are also nearsighted. Dr. Chung recommends children in this age group who are progressing more than -0.50D a year, to be evaluated for myopia treatment, as they are most likely to reach high myopia (defined as -5.00D or higher) and its increased risks for sight-threatening eye pathologies and loss of functional uncorrected vision by adulthood. Although there is limited data on the benefit of myopia control treatments for teenagers and young adults, individuals of this age who continue to experience rapid increases in their prescription may still benefit.

When should my child start myopia management?

Since progression tends to slow as a child enters their mid-teenage years, studies have found the maximum benefit is achieved the earlier we intervene. Ideally, treatment should be started in nearsighted children ages 6-12 as their eyes still have many years of growth left, making them the most vulnerable group for excessive eye growth and high myopia. Research has shown that slowing myopia progression by 50%, which can be achieved by either optical or pharmaceutical treatments, can reduce the prevalence of high myopes by up to 90% and preserve the long term visual function and eye health of affected children today. Visual function lost by an increasing prescription cannot be reversed and it is worthwhile to intervene sooner rather than later especially if your child has already shown recent large increases in their myopia in recent eye exams.

Will my insurance cover the cost of myopia management treatment program?

Despite the extensive clinical research validating the use of various methods to achieve myopia control, this is a specialty eye care program whose professional and material fees are not currently covered by vision or medical insurances. Global fees apply to reflect the doctor’s advanced level of expertise and training as a myopia control specialist as well as the use of specialized diagnostic equipment, staff support and chair time required to effectively and safely treat your child, monitor their eye health and track their response over the course of each year. The annual fee covers all myopia-related appointments, any extra testing and if applicable, fitting fees for the chosen contact lens treatment. This comprehensive fee is typically lower after Year 1 of initiating treatment.

Material costs can vary depending on the treatment selected:

Low Dose Atropine // This is only available by prescription from a compounding pharmacy. It is dosed at 1 drop in each eye nightly. Prices may vary and are out of pocket.

Ortho-K // These lenses are custom designed using specialty expertise and labs. They should be replaced yearly but may be used for longer if the treatment, lens condition and the eyes are stable.

MiSight® One Day Contact Lenses // This lens treatment costs more annually than regular daily contacts as it includes 13 months supply with free exchanges & shipping and comprehensive support.

Multifocal Contact Lenses // Prices vary depending on the replacement schedule and correction type. The cost is out of pocket due to their off-label use for myopia management.

Do I need a referral?

Not necessarily! Dr. Chung welcomes new patients and in fact, recommends every parent interested in myopia management for their child to first schedule them for a comprehensive eye exam with dilation if they have not had one in the last year. This provides critical information about their current eye health and prescription for Dr. Chung to determine if they are a candidate and if so, the recommended treatment strategy. Dr. Chung welcomes the opportunity to coordinate care with practitioners who believe their pediatric patients could benefit.