INDUSTRY INSIGHT
EYECARE
SPONSORED CONTENT
My child’s
eyes keep
getting worse,
what can I do?
I
s there a treatment for kids that can correct and possibly stop
or slow the worsening of their nearsightedness (myopia)? Can
we stop our children from the same experiences that we had of
needing stronger and stronger glasses (and thicker lenses)?
For decades, eye doctors have not changed how we treat (or
correct) myopia: prescription glasses and contacts. But now there
are new options that aim to slow or stop the progression of our
children’s eyes instead of just treating the symptoms of blurry vision!
These new approaches have been born because the rate of
nearsightedness in our world is increasing rapidly. Since the 1970s,
the rate of nearsightedness has increased by almost 70% in the U.S
and almost 90% of children in China are now nearsighted! Why is this
happening? We are unsure of the exact reasoning, but we do know
that these rates are associated with the rapid decline in the amount
of time spent by children outdoors and the drastic increase of up
close tasks. (Anyone thinking of tablet or phone use?)
The scary part of these numbers, besides just more kids needing
stronger glasses, is that as their eyes get worse the risk of retinal
disease, glaucoma, and early cataracts increase at a significant level.
These problems can lead to a higher rate of vision loss. If we can slow
or stop their eyes from getting worse, then we may be able to lessen
the risk of these problems in the future.
In response to this epidemic, in 2016 we started a “Myopia Control
Clinic” at Dittman Eyecare. Within this clinic, we currently use three
proven methods that can help slow this disease; an eye drop, a soft
multifocal contact worn during the day, or special lens that is wore at
night (corneal reshaping lens).
The eye drop is a diluted concentration of atropine. The
medication must be made at a compounding pharmacy and the
dosage is one drop daily at bedtime. Two-year studies have shown
almost no side effects and a very strong control of myopia.
The soft multifocal contact and corneal reshaping lenses both
work on the same principal. By creating a special type of defocus
This industry insight was provided by Dr Michael J Dittman
Dr Dittman is one of three optometrists at Dittman Eyecare. He founded
Dittman Eyecare in 2003 in Downtown Butler, Pa and opened a second location
in Cranberry in 2016. All of the eye doctors at Dittman Eycare provide full scope
eye care that include eye glasses, contact lens exams, lasik evaluations, dry eye
treatments, glaucoma treatments, and other medical eye exams. Dr Dittman
has taken additional training throughout the United States in scleral contact
lenses for eye conditions such as keratoconus and also in the rapidly changing field of Myopia Control.
For more information about Dittman Eyecare or to schedule an appointment visit their website at
www.dittmaneyecare.com.
on the retina that traditional glasses and contact lenses do not, they
can slow the eye from getting longer or more nearsighted. In addition
to helping slow the progression of myopia, corneal reshaping lenses
have the added benefit of providing clear vision throughout the day
without any correction! They just must wear the lens each night while
sleeping, like a retainer, to maintain the correction and possibly slow
the progression of their myopia.
Within our Myopia Control Clinic at Dittman Eyecare we create
a customized myopia control program for each patient. If you are
concerned about your child’s eyes becoming worse and want to know
what options are available, you can schedule a complimentary myopia
control consult at either of our Butler or Cranberry locations.
Full Service Eyecare
Featuring Myopia Control!
What Makes Us Special!
• Adult & Children’s Eye Exams
• Glaucoma Testing & Management
• Excellent Customer Service
• Beautiful Optical Showrooms
• Digital Eyeglass Measuring System
• Contact Lens Exams including Sceral Lenses
• Dry Eye Center of Excellence
www.DittmanEyecare.com
Visit us online to schedule an appointment today!
CRANBERRY TWP OFFICE
20808 Route 19 (Next to the North Park Lounge)
Cranberry Twp, PA 16066
(724) 591-8212
NORTH ALLEGHENY
❘
BUTLER OFFICE
156 North Main St.
Butler, PA 16001
(724) 287-5739
SUMMER 2018
17