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A Pediatric Vision Expert’s Perspective on the Marco AL-Scan Myopia
After over 20 years dedicated to treating myopia in children, Dr. Cari Cannon of Cannon Eyecare has never been more passionate, or better equipped, than today. With the alarming rise in myopia cases following the pandemic, largely driven by increased screen time, the need for precise, early intervention has never been more urgent.
A New Era in Myopia Management: Why Axial Length Matters
For years, pediatric optometrists have relied on autorefraction and prescription changes to gauge a child’s vision progression. But axial length provides a far more sensitive indicator of myopia progression, often picking up small changes before prescription changes are even noticeable.
“Previously, we would have to kind of guess,” explains Dr. Cannon. “The patient would be on the border or hadn’t gone up a quarter diopter, but was it pertinent? The child was not having any issues seeing distance. They weren’t noticing any change. So maybe we’d just wait another year. Now that we can measure, we find sometimes there is a change in axial growth before there’s a visual change and we’re able to start treatment earlier.”
“With the Marco AL-Scan Myopia, we can monitor myopia medically, not just visually,” says Dr. Cannon. “We can measure changes in eye length before they affect a child’s vision, which allows us to intervene earlier and more effectively.”
The Marco AL-Scan Myopia: Designed for Speed and Simplicity
After trying several axial length measurement tools, the choice was clear. “The Marco AL-Scan Myopia is just very quick and easy,” she shares. “Other devices were clunky and hard to use. This one was smooth, fast, and importantly, kid friendly.”
For practice with a high pediatric and special needs population, the usability of technology is critical. “Most of our kids can complete the test easily. All they need to do is look at a red light. Even our staff is amazed at how quickly we get accurate readings.”
Enhancing Patient Education and Trust
The benefits extend beyond diagnostics. With built-in graphing capabilities and seamless integration into exam rooms, the AL-Scan Myopia empowers Dr. Cannon to educate parents with clear, visual data.
“Parents are often surprised at how much we can show them. When they see the axial length growth on the screen, it clicks, they understand why treatment is necessary, even if their child’s prescription hasn’t changed yet.”
Tailoring and Tracking Treatment
Once a child begins myopia treatment, tracking effectiveness is essential. Axial length measurement helps determine whether current strategies are working or need adjustment.
“Even a 0.4 mm growth can represent a whole diopter of change. The AL-Scan Myopia helps us stay ahead of progression. If we see continued growth, we can tweak the treatment plan to slow it down.”
A Long-Term Commitment to Better Vision
Axial length growth is more than clinical curiosity, it’s a predictor of long-term eye health.
“When a child’s eyes get too long, they’re at increased risk for eye disease as they mature,” explains Dr. Cannon. “Helping children see better is important, but preserving their vision for the future is my priority. By tracking axial length, I’m doing both.”
Dr. Cannon has a deep passion for pediatric vision and a belief in giving every child the best start possible.
“By using axial length measurement, we’re able to medically ensure that our kids are getting the best protection and the best vision for life.”
