What is Progressive Myopia Control?
Progressive myopia control is a means of preventing your child from wearing “coke bottle” glasses. A specialized computer (Keratron corneal topographer) and computer software allows Dr. Funk to custom design lenses which may help halt or slow the progression or nearsightedness. As you know, eye doctors hardly ever tell anyone that their myopia or nearsightedness will improve. Usually it is just the opposite. Expect it to get worse. 

Is this a new procedure?
Yes and no. The design concept is new because of advancements in computer technology. However, the procedure’s basis has been borrowed from orthokeratology, which has been used since 1962. These lenses are not ortho-k lenses that eliminate the nearsightedness. They are specially shaped and created as an aid in keeping your eyes from getting worse. For example, a minus one pediatric patient does not have to end up minus ten. The Tetra lens design or CRT evolved from reverse geometry. (Contact lenses currently marketed for other indications.) The CRT has been FDA approved in 2002.

Why haven’t I heard of this before?
Again the answer to this question lies in the computerization factor. We have known for a long time that the shape of the front of the eye can safely be changed with the use of rigid gas permeable contact lenses. Since the advent of computer driven contact lens lathes (machines used to make the retainers), and computerized instruments to tell us the shape of the eye has this become a predictable procedure. These recent changes have now made this a procedure Dr. Funk feels is an appropriate and available choice for his patients. 

Can every doctor perform this procedure?
No. Dr. Funk has spent many hours of researching and in training in order to design these lenses. Dr. Funk’s classroom hours have been spent with the National Eye Research Foundation. Recently, Dr. Funk has completed his training with Paragon Vision, and he is currently one of the only doctors in Central Illinois certified to use Paragon’s corneal refractive therapy lenses. These are all important factors due to the high complexity of the design of the retainers used.

How long does it take?
This varies from patient to patient; however, stabilization should occur by six months. 

Does it work for everyone?
No. However, this procedure statistically works at a significantly higher rate than traditional gas permeable contacts.

Can I see out of my lenses?
Yes. The goal is to be able to wear your retainer all day long just like a regular gas permeable lens wearer with the same crisp clear vision. 

Is it safe?
Yes. The complications of this procedure are no greater than those of regular wear of rigid gas permeable lenses during the day. The only difference is that these lenses are designed to aid in slowing or halting the progression of myopia (nearsightedness). There are currently many studies being done in the contact lens industry in order to better determine which nearsighted child will benefit from rigid gas permeable lens wear the most. The progressive myopia control lenses will continue to gain in popularity in the new millennium.

Are there any guarantees?
No. However, research has proven that regular rigid gas permeable lenses can halt myopia in many cases. The Tetra Curve and CRT lenses show a more promising percentage of success. We can also provide an extensive list of research studies for you to evaluate.

Advantages

• Improved vision over glasses
• May slow or halt the progression of myopia or nearsightedness
• Could help eliminate “coke bottle” glasses

Disadvantages

• Must be able to wear contact lenses
• Must be able to allow for multiple visits over a three to six month period
• Degree of success is high, however, NOT guaranteed
• Same adverse risk factors as conventional gas permeable lenses