The Science: How We Slow Eye Growth
To understand how we treat myopia, we must first understand why it gets worse. It is not just about the lens power; it is about where light lands on the back of the eye.
Why Standard Glasses Fail
Traditional single-vision lenses correct central vision perfectly, but they cause light in the peripheral (side) vision to focus behind the retina. This phenomenon, known as Peripheral Hyperopic Defocus, is interpreted by the eye as a signal that it is "too short." The eye responds by physically growing longer (axial elongation) to catch the light, which causes the prescription to increase year after year.
The Solution: Myopic Defocus
Our specialty lenses (Ortho-K and Soft Multifocals) utilize a unique optical design. While the center of the lens focuses light clearly on the retina for sharp vision, the outer zones bend peripheral light to focus in front of the retina. This creates a "stop signal" or protective shield that tells the eye it has grown enough, effectively slowing down axial elongation.
It's All About Axial Length
Myopia management is ultimately about controlling the physical length of the eyeball. A shorter eye means a lower prescription and a significantly reduced risk of sight-threatening conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration later in life. By intervening early with these specialized lenses, we preserve the structural integrity of your child's eye.
Ortho-K / CRT
Nighttime Wear
Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) involves wearing custom-designed rigid gas permeable molds while sleeping. These molds gently reshape the cornea overnight.
The Benefits:
- Freedom:Wake up, remove lenses, and see 20/20 all day without glasses or contacts.
- Safety:Parents can supervise insertion and removal at home at night.
- Active Kids:Ideal for swimmers and athletes where glasses get in the way.
Hydraulic Reshaping
The lens uses the hydraulic pressure from your tear film to gently flatten the center of the cornea (correcting vision) while steepening the mid-periphery. This steepening is what creates the peripheral defocus ring needed to slow eye growth. The effect is temporary but reversible, making it a safe option for growing eyes.
Dual-Focus Technology
These lenses use concentric rings. The center zones provide clear distance vision, while alternating treatment rings direct light in a way that creates the necessary myopic defocus. It puts the "brakes" on myopia while the child sees clearly.
Soft Multifocals (MiSight®)
Daytime Wear
These are soft, daily disposable lenses worn during the day like regular contacts. Brands like MiSight® are FDA-approved specifically for myopia control.
The Benefits:
- Comfort:Soft material is instantly comfortable for most children.
- Hygiene:Daily disposables mean a fresh, sterile lens every morning. No cleaning required.
- Easy Adaptation:Very quick learning curve for new wearers.
Patient Care Protocol
The Fitting Journey
We don't just hand you lenses. We partner with you for success.
Evaluation & Design
Dr. Fouladian maps the cornea using topography to design a custom Ortho-K lens or select the precise soft lens parameters. We ensure the eye is healthy enough for contact lens wear.
Training Day
This is the most critical step. Our staff spends dedicated time teaching both the child and parents how to Insert and Remove (I&R) the lenses safely. We review hygiene, cleaning (for Ortho-K), and handling until you are 100% confident.
Close Monitoring
We see patients at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and every 6 months. We measure vision, corneal health, and lens condition to ensure safety and confirm that myopia progression has slowed.
Our Promise: We will never send a patient home with lenses until they have demonstrated they can safely insert and remove them on their own.
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