Skip to main content
Home » Myopia Control / Ortho-K » Myopia, Ortho-K and your Child

Myopia, Ortho-K and your Child

Myopia and Your Child

What you should know

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is an increasingly common condition that makes it hard to see things far away.

  • In the Americas over 40% of the population is Myopic
  • In certain Asian countries over 90% of high-schoolers are Myopic
  • By 2050 it is predicted that approximately 50% of the world/s population will be Myopic

What does it mean?

In addition to needing stronger prescription eyeglasses or contacts to see with, sufferers of myopia have significantly greater risks of developing cataracts, glaucoma and retinal tears, detachments, and certain types of macular degeneration.  Although these problems usually don’t occur until later in life, the development of nearsightedness during childhood and the way this affects the structure of the eye, is what makes them more likely.

Today, there is something you can do to help your children

Myopia Prevention is possible- by limiting time on electronic devices, spending more active time outside and getting regular eye exams, you can reduce the risk of your children developing myopia.

If your children have already been diagnosed with myopia, a variety of techniques are now available to treat the condition to slow or halt its progression.  These include low dose atropine eye drops, specially designed soft contact lenses and orthokeratology (ortho-k).  Each of these can be effective in myopia management and control, with ortho-k having the added advantage of allowing clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts.

Each year brings exciting new research and allows us to learn more and more, and to do more and more to help.  We love sharing what we’ve learned and helping others understand that we don’t have to sit back and let myopia happen.  We can meet it, and often, we can beat it.

See the graphics below for a great summary.

Daniel Price and Dr. JA Testimonial from Daniel's Parents:

The Ortho-K lenses have opened up a new world for Daniel. He was so reluctant to wear his glasses and didn't realize how much he was missing every day. The change in his vision has been remarkable and I would recommend them to anyone who would benefit. Daniel often comments on how different things look when they're in focus, and how great it is to be able to read signs and subtitles. His reaction times in tennis and baseball are so much quicker, because he can see the ball well before it gets to him. Wearing them at night is also much easier for him because he is so active and he doesn't have to worry about losing them at school or on the baseball field. Best of all, he loves having normal vision!

Poster1Myopia 1smaller
Poster2Myopia 1smaller

BIG NEWS!

We’ll soon be “Eyes on Main”! And that’s not the only news... please offer a warm welcome to Dr. Mike Gowen.

From Dr. J:

I opened my office in 1990 – That’s 30 years coming up on August 1st!!   In some ways it feels like yesterday, and in others, like forever.  Along with so much else that has changed this year, one more occasion is on the horizon.  I am excited to announce that I am selling my practice to Dr. Mike Gowen.  Dr. G and his wife, SallyAnn, met at Virginia Tech close to 40 years ago. They have been proud and loud Hokies ever since and dreamed of returning to live in Blacksburg.  Both are strong supporters of the arts, athletics and the civic engagement that make this a very special place to live, work and play!

I am thrilled to be handing the baton to a doctor who believes as I do in community service. Plus, he is laser focused also on individualized patient care, personal and professional intellectual advancement and enjoying the good things and kind people who come along every day.

Better yet, I’m not going anywhere!  I will continue seeing patients, focusing on visual rehab for those suffering from concussions/TBI, working to control the progression and consequences of nearsightedness through orthokeratology and other treatments, and counseling all regarding the inter-relation of the eyes, brain and body, along with the importance of nutrition, exercise and mental well-being.  There’s so much I yet want to learn and do, and now I won’t have to worry about arguing with insurance companies.  I’m excited!

From Dr. G:

It’s impossible to express how pleased I am to be moving to Blacksburg. It has long been the dream of my wife and I to become a part of this unique town, where we met as Virginia Tech students and continued to frequent as alumni.    I look forward to the privilege of serving the people of Blacksburg and bringing my lifetime of experience in the field of eye care to serve one and all. I'm delighted that Dr. Steve Jacobs will remain with the practice, which will now be “EYES on Main.” I consider it a great privilege to continue the exemplary patient care and community service that Dr. Jacobs has and will continue to provide to the New River Valley. Together we will serve the Blacksburg community with the same culture of care and community involvement that has always been a part of this practice.

 More updates to follow.  Send us a message or give us a call with questions, comments, or to set up an appointment.

We can always be reached at 540-953-0136!

Sincerely,Dr. J, Dr. S, Dr. G & staff