Measuring Axial Length in Myopia Management

At Sherwood Park Eye Centre, our dedicated optometrists have a special interest in managing myopia in children. As part of our comprehensive Myopia Management Program, we emphasize the importance of monitoring axial length—a key factor in effectively controlling and understanding myopia progression. Let’s explore why measuring axial length is crucial in myopia management and how it integrates with other advanced techniques and treatments offered at our clinic.

What is Axial Length?

Axial length refers to the distance from the front (cornea) to the back (retina) of the eye. In myopic (nearsighted) individuals, the eye tends to be longer than average, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision, which is the hallmark of myopia.

Why is Measuring Axial Length Important?

1. Tracking Myopia Progression: Monitoring axial length provides a more precise indication of myopia progression compared to traditional methods such as measuring refractive error alone. By regularly measuring the axial length, our optometrists can detect changes early and adjust treatment plans accordingly to slow down the progression of myopia in children.
2. Predicting Future Myopia Risk: Axial length measurement helps in predicting the future risk of high myopia, which can lead to serious eye health issues such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. Early detection allows for timely intervention, reducing the likelihood of these complications.
3. Evaluating Treatment Efficacy: By measuring axial length, we can assess the effectiveness of myopia management treatments. This data-driven approach ensures that the chosen treatment is working as intended and allows for adjustments to optimize outcomes for each child.

Myopia Management at Sherwood Park Eye Centre

At Sherwood Park Eye Centre, we offer a holistic approach to myopia management that goes beyond just prescribing glasses. Our program includes:

• Refraction Monitoring: Regular eye exams to update and adjust glasses prescriptions, ensuring optimal vision correction.
• Wide-Angle Retina Imaging: Advanced imaging techniques to monitor the health of the retina and detect early signs of eye disease. This is crucial for safeguarding long-term vision, especially in children with progressive myopia.
• Proactive Myopia Management Treatments: We offer a variety of evidence-based treatments designed to slow down myopia progression, including:
  • Myopia Control Lenses: Specialized lenses such as the Hoya MiyoSmart, which are designed to reduce eye strain and slow the elongation of the eyeball.
  • Contact Lenses: Options like MiSight or Abiliti 1-day lenses that have been shown to be effective in controlling myopia progression in children.
  • Eye Drops: Atropine eye drops, which have been found to be beneficial in slowing down the progression of myopia.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Recommendations for outdoor activities and reduced screen time, which have been associated with slower myopia progression.

Why Choose Sherwood Park Eye Centre?

Our optometrists are committed to providing the best possible care for your child’s eye health. With our state-of-the-art technology, personalized treatment plans, and a comprehensive understanding of myopia management, we strive to ensure your child’s vision remains clear and healthy for years to come.

Measuring axial length is just one of the many ways we prioritize your child’s eye care. If you’re concerned about your child’s myopia or want to learn more about our Myopia Management Program, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our Optometrists are dedicated to protecting your child’s vision and eye health.

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