The summer is almost over and it’s back to school time! Like many of you, I have been reviewing the “school supply list” and making sure that my daughter has everything necessary for a successful year. At the pediatrician’s office, a vision screening showed that myopia (nearsightedness) had increased, yet again! Over the years, I have discussed options for myopia control with many patients and their parents. With my own child, I will be just as proactive and aggressive about slowing down myopia.
One of the best things to tell your child to reduce his or her risk of myopia is, “Go outside and play!” Recent studies, like the Sydney Myopia Study and research in Taiwan and Denmark, have confirmed that more time spent outside is associated with lower progression of myopia. 12-year-olds who spent more time outdoors had less myopia at the end of the two-year study period than others in the study — even after adjusting for the amount of reading performed, parental myopia and ethnicity.
Children who performed the most amount of near work and spent the least amount of time outdoors had the highest mean amount of nearsightedness.
A study in the UK found that in the winter (when the children had access to the fewest hours of daylight), average growth in the axial length of their eyes was significantly greater than it was in summer, when their outdoor sunlight exposure was greatest (0.19 mm vs. 0.12 mm)!
The good news is that Davis (vision insurance for LANL employees) fully covers multifocal contact lenses and eyeglasses for myopia control. There is partial coverage for ortho-keratology (overnight contact lenses).
I was disappointed to learn that High Country Macula has closed its doors! They have provided outstanding retinal care to thousands of my patients. Records have been transferred to Dr. Nathaniel Roybal. A native of New Mexico and former retinal specialist with Eye Associates of NM, he has stellar credentials and has invested millions in advanced, state-of-the-art technology. In July 2021, I was impressed with his prompt and successful treatment for 2 patients who had retinal tears.
Effective September 1, 2021, we will no longer be providers for Eyemed! We will continue to accept Davis Vision and Vision Service Plan.
Following CDC guidelines for health care offices, we will be requiring masks for all staff and patients, regardless of vaccination status. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Have a blessed day and week!
Sincerely,
Lisa Shin, O.D.
Los Alamos Family Eyecare, P.C. 