ABOUT US

Our office specializes in Myopia Control utilizing the newest technology in Soft Lens Myopia Management, Orthokeratology (including the new Acuvue® Abiliti™ Lens), and Low Dose Atropine drops. Our office is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care and the newest advancements in technology and improvements in Myopia Control in the field of Optometry.  

Dedicated to ensuring your children grow up with the best possible vision

We offer an individualized treatment plan so your child will see clearly and comfortably for a lifetime. Most importantly, with science-based methods of retarding the progression of their myopia, we can help ensure that their eyes will be healthier and happier for many years to come.

Healthy and Happy CHILDREN

Our Satisfied Patients

At The Myopia Institute, your ocular health always comes first. The institute offers leading edge technology and a team of caring doctors and staff who are committed to the well being of our patients. We ensure that your family is informed every step of the way regarding the individualized plan that we prescribe for your child’s eyecare.

Treatment Options

Effectiveness

Some Benefits

Outdoor Time
May slow onset and progression
Healthy and free lifestyle option
Bifocal Glasses
Less Effective
Good for kids who are not ready for contact lenses or eye drops
Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses
More Effective
Good for kids who want the comfort and convenience of a Soft Lens Design
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
More Effective
Good for kids who want freedom from daytime correction
Atropine (Eye Drops)
More Effective
Good for kids who are not yet ready for contact lenses
Research Opportunities
Varies
Participants may receive payment for their time to participate

Treatment Options

Initial Exam

Contact Lens Fitting

Day 1

1 - 2 W

6 M

Bifocal Glasses
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Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses
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Atropine
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Orthokeratology
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Bifocal Glasses

Your child’s glasses should be worn every day; therefore the frame’s fit must be  comfortable. Glasses that slide down the nose may not have the expected myopia control effect.

• Impact-resistant lenses are best (e.g. polycarbonate, Trivex).
• Remove frames with both hands to avoid excess wear on the hinges.
• Place glasses in a protective case when not in use.
• Never place frames face down on any surface to prevent lens scratching.
• Use appropriate lens cleaners if lenses become dirty.

The primary risk of bifocal glasses is the blur your child may experience when looking through the lens’s bifocal portion, which may cause them to trip or fall or cause eye strain or headache. Your child does not need to look through the bifocal portion of the lens while looking at a distance or walking to get the myopia control effect and will learn to view through the top part of the lens with continued use.

Some adaptation time is necessary, and most children adjust well to bifocal glasses in a few weeks. If your child is still experiencing problems, schedule an appointment for further evaluation. The bifocal power may need to be adjusted, or you may want to consider other myopia management treatment options.

MultiFocal SOFT Contact Lenses

For optimal myopia control treatment, your child must wear multifocal soft contact lenses, daily. Lens replacement/disposal is dependent upon the brand prescribed – after 1 day or up to 3 months of wear.

Correction occurs immediately with soft contact lens wear. There may be a short period of adaptation when your child may notice a slight decrease in clarity of vision.

Risks of eye infections can be minimized through proper wear and care:

• Clean lenses and dispose of them as prescribed.
• Avoid showering, sleeping, and swimming with lenses.
• Contact with non-sterile water may cause serious infection and possible loss of vision.

If your child ever experiences pain, discharge, or severe eye redness, remove the lenses immediately and contact our office.

Reusable contact lenses must be disinfected after each use.

  1. Apply a few drops of prescribed cleaning solution into the palm of your hand.
  2. With slight pressure, gently and carefully rub the lens with the solution.
  3. Rinse the lens in fresh solution at night and store your lenses in their case.
  4. The next morning, remove the lens and discard the used solution.
  5. Allow the case to air-dry upside down.
  6. The case should be replaced with each new bottle of solution (1-3 months).
  7. Never expose your contact lenses or case to any water.

Low Does Atropine Drops

Atropine is a prescription medication that a compounding pharmacy must specially make. Prescriptions can be  shipped or picked up. Call the pharmacy to confirm current costs, provide payment and shipping information.

A parent can apply one drop to each eye, every day. Have your child look down and add a drop to the top white part of the eye. To avoid contamination, never touch the tip of the applicator to the eyes or any other surface. Follow the pharmacy’s instructions for storage & disposal.

The side effects of atropine include:

  • Slight enlargement of the eye’s pupils
  • Increased light sensitivity
  • Near vision blur
  • Redness or irritation of the eyes

The low concentration used is considered safe based on multiple clinical trials, although side effects may occur with any drug. Please refer to the package insert for complete medication information.

Your child will still need vision correction when using atropine. Your child may benefit from bifocal lenses if their near vision becomes blurry. Alternatively, your child may obtain clear near vision simply by removing their distance vision glasses when reading, depending on the level of nearsightedness.

Due to mild pupil enlargement, your child may experience increased light sensitivity. Wearing sunglasses while outdoors or Transition (darken when exposed to sunlight) lenses can be beneficial.

Ortho-K Lenses
ORTHOKERATOLOGY

Ortho-K lenses must be worn 7-8 hours while sleeping and replaced annually.

Most patients achieve full correction after 1-2 weeks of wear. Until then, a child may need to wear their glasses. Once your child’s vision is fully corrected, they will be free from glasses and contacts during the day but will need to continue wearing their lenses at night to maintain good vision.

Depending on your child’s prescription, they may feel more comfortable wearing an old pair of glasses until they resume a whole night’s sleep of wear.

Orthokeratology lenses are FDA approved for wear while sleeping to reduce myopia temporarily. The possible risks with contact lens wear include eye irritation and infection. Minimize risks of eye infection through proper wear and care.

  1. Apply a few drops of prescribed cleaning solution into the palm of your hand.
  2. With slight pressure, gently and carefully rub the lens with the solution.
  3. Rinse and store lenses in fresh solution inside case at night.
  4. In the morning, fill case with fresh solution for storing lenses during the day.
  5. Remove lens that evening and discard the used solution.
  6. Allow the case to air-dry upside down.
  7. Replace case with each new bottle of solution (about every 1-3 months).
  8. Never expose your contact lenses or case to any water.

If your child ever experiences pain, discharge, or severe eye redness, remove the lenses immediately and contact our office.

Certified Professionals

Our Doctors

Dr. Dean S. Steinberger, O.D.

Optometrist

Dr. Steinberger is from Los Angeles and graduated from UC San Diego. He obtained his optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1997. Dr. Steinberger has interned in many specialties of eye care including refractive surgery, ocular disease/glaucoma, and children’s vision-related learning disabilities.

Dr. Emily Schwartz

Optometrist
Dr. Emily Schwartz, O.D. was raised in Ventura County, California. She completed her undergraduate education at CSUCI, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She went on to graduate in 2021 as the Valedictorian of her class from the Southern California College of Optometry with her Doctor of Optometry.

Appointments

1-800-983-4933

Call us to schedule an appointment or email us at info@themyopiainstitute.com

Opening Hours

Weekdays

9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Saturday

By Appointment

Sunday

Closed

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment or make an inquiry, please use the contact form or call us. A member of our staff will get back to you as soon as possible.

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