Is your child’s prescription getting stronger every year? Myopia — nearsightedness — is a growing concern among children and teenagers, but its progression can be slowed with the right treatment. Dr. J.C. Mungar offers myopia control assessments and management programs for children and teens in Oakville.
Myopia rates in children have risen dramatically in recent decades, driven largely by reduced outdoor time, increased near work, and screen exposure from an early age. In some parts of the world, up to 80% of young adults are now myopic.
While glasses or contacts correct a child’s vision, they do not slow the progression of myopia. A child whose prescription increases significantly each year is at risk of developing high myopia (above −6.00D), which carries a substantially elevated risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration in adulthood. Myopia control is not just about clearer vision today — it’s about protecting your child’s long-term eye health.
Every dioptre of myopia that can be prevented reduces your child’s lifetime risk of vision-threatening complications:
Ortho-K lenses are specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight. While your child sleeps, they gently reshape the cornea so vision is clear throughout the following day — no glasses or daytime contacts needed. Studies show Ortho-K can slow myopia progression by 40 to 60% compared to standard correction.
MiSight 1 Day is the first contact lens approved by Health Canada and the FDA specifically for myopia control in children. These daily disposable lenses correct vision while simultaneously slowing eye elongation. Clinical studies show approximately 59% slower progression vs. standard daily lenses. Safe and comfortable for children as young as 8.
Low-concentration atropine drops (0.01%–0.05%) have been shown to significantly slow myopia progression with minimal side effects. Typically prescribed as once-nightly drops, atropine is often combined with optical myopia control methods for patients with rapidly progressing myopia.
Increasing outdoor time to at least 90 minutes per day has been shown to slow myopia onset and progression. We also provide guidance on screen distance, lighting, and reading habits that can complement clinical treatments.
Most optometrists only prescribe glasses and monitor annual changes. Dr. Mungar takes an active, evidence-based approach to myopia management — identifying rapidly progressing cases and offering proven treatments to slow them down.
No single approach works for every child. Dr. Mungar will assess your child’s age, prescription, lifestyle, and progression rate and recommend the most appropriate treatment — or a combination.
Myopia control is a long-term commitment. We monitor your child’s prescription at regular intervals, adjust the treatment plan as needed, and keep you informed about their progress throughout the program.
The earlier myopia control begins, the more total progression can be prevented. Most programs are appropriate for children aged 7 to 8 and older. If your child has been myopic since a young age or their prescription is increasing by more than 0.50D per year, a myopia control consultation is recommended at the next visit.
Ortho-K can slow progression by 40–60%, MiSight by approximately 59%, and low-dose atropine by 50–70% depending on concentration. No treatment stops myopia entirely, but meaningful slowing over childhood can result in a significantly lower final prescription and reduced risk of serious complications.
Orthokeratology lenses are rigid contact lenses worn only during sleep. They temporarily reshape the cornea so your child sees clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contacts. The process is fully reversible. Ortho-K has an excellent safety record in children when combined with proper lens care and regular monitoring.
If your child’s prescription is increasing year after year, don’t wait. The sooner myopia control begins, the greater the benefit. Book a myopia control assessment with Dr. Mungar today.
Book a Myopia Control AssessmentOffice Notice
Monday August 3 through Friday August 7
We reopen Monday August 10 at 8 a.m.
Thank you for your patience. Voicemail and email will be checked periodically and we will return every message once we are back in the office.
If you have an urgent eye concern during this week, please visit your nearest walk in clinic or emergency department.
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