What is myopia?
In an increasingly digital and screen-driven world, myopia (or nearsightedness) has become a prevalent eye condition affecting millions of people worldwide.
Individuals who are myopic have a difficult time viewing targets in the distance. The distance blur will impact their ability to participate in school and recreational activities. Glasses and contact lenses are used to correct vision.
Not only are individuals dependent on glasses to see, they are more at risk for certain eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, myopic maculopathy and retinal tears and detachments.
Can I protect
my child from
becoming nearsighted?
The only way that we can prevent the onset of
myopia is to spend more time outdoors.
Spending at least two hours outside each day
has been shown as the best way to prevent the
onset of myopia.
My child has myopia,
how can we slow
these changes?
In the realm of eye care, practitioners now have an arsenal of scientifically validated methods to curb the progression of a child’s prescription, especially in their crucial early years.
Current available myopia management strategies
reduce progression by half over a year’s time frame.
Strategies like specialized soft contact lenses, atropine eye drops, and orthokeratology are key players in slowing down myopia progression among children. This not only helps them sustain clear vision but also minimizes the necessity for frequent prescription adjustments and lessens future health concerns related to high myopia.
Our Three-Way Approach to Managing Myopia’s Impact
Raising Awareness About Myopia Prevention And Management Within Local Communities
By actively engaging with local caregivers and healthcare providers, we strive to amplify awareness regarding the critical significance of proactively addressing the potential consequences of progressive vision changes.
Moreover, we are committed to facilitating seamless integration of comprehensive treatment and services, thereby bridging the gap for numerous local families who might otherwise face barriers to accessing such vital resources.
Connecting Children and Caregivers With Myopia Management Providers
Myopia is not just about the inconvenience of needing glasses or contact lenses to see clearly in the distance; it poses significant risks to eye health and vision quality, especially if myopia starts in early childhood years.
Myopia management strategies, such as specialty contact lenses, atropine eye drops, and orthokeratology, have been shown to effectively slow down the progression of myopia in children and young adults. By referring patients for myopia management, we can help them maintain clear vision, reduce the risk of high myopia, and protect their eye health in the long term.
Alleviating The Financial Strain Associated With Treatments
Myopia management is frequently excluded from coverage in public and private eye insurance plans, leaving families to bear the potentially substantial costs of these treatments.
This is where Growing Eyes steps in. We are dedicated to supporting families who may struggle with the full financial burden of care. Employing a sliding scale aligned with household income, Growing Eyes will facilitate payment and connect with local providers willing to assist children in need of myopia management.
We ask any parents or caregivers that are interested in financial assistance to please fill out the Referral Form to start the application process.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
We have the potential to slow those numbers.
Nearly 30% of the world’s population is currently myopic.
It is expected to increase to 50% by 2050.
More on Myopia Management –
Why is it so important to try to slow progression?
The rapid vision changes are an economic burden to families. Rapid prescription changes require more frequent examinations and replacement of glasses.
The rapid vision changes have been shown to negatively affect a child’s performance in school and extracurricular activities, decreasing their confidence to engage and adding an extra barrier to learning.
Devoting resources to myopia management early in childhood pays off in the long run, mitigating the risk of serious sight-related issues linked to high myopia in adulthood.
How You Can Help
Send a Donation
Giving online has never been more secure, convenient or hassle-free. We also accept standard cash and check donations. Contact us for more information.
Join our Provider Network
You can get involved today by joining our provider network. Sign up and you will be joining a group of change-makers, a network impacting positive change in the lives of children.
Spread the Word
Use your knowledge to help others better understand the importance of early myopia management treatment. Our information page can be utilized to educate yourself on the importance of controlling progressive nearsightedness.
Testimonials
What People Say
The generosity of this organization makes it possible for my children to learn and grow without the obstacle of poor eyesight.
Misha Bauman
Working with Growing Eyes has been very rewarding. If you have the time and ability, I highly encourage you to help out too.
Tess Lydick
Recent Posts
- 2024 In ReviewGrowing Eyes is creating a network of area eye care providers who identify and treat myopia with the very best practices. Our provider’s list is always expanding. This year, the officers of Growing Eyes attended three different health fairs – talking about myopia and its impact with over 1,500 people in the Beaverton and PortlandContinue reading “2024 In Review”
- Growing Eyes in the NewsThis year was a great year for spreading the word about myopia management. In September, the Oregon Optometric Physicians Associates (OOPA) created a myopia awareness news campaign with KOIN-6 news in Portland, Oregon. Two of our officers were interviewed and Growing Eyes was included! Check it out below. https://www.koin.com/everydaynorthwest/ednw-sponsored/eyes-on-myopia/ In December, Growing Eyes was featuredContinue reading “Growing Eyes in the News”
- The Outdoor Solution to Protect Children’s VisionMyopia occurs when the eye length (or axial length) exceeds the normal range. While individuals with myopia can see objects up close, distant targets appear blurry, the extent of which depends on the degree of myopia. The prevalence of myopia is on the rise, possibly due to increased indoor activities. The primary preventive measure againstContinue reading “The Outdoor Solution to Protect Children’s Vision”
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