As parents, we always strive to prioritize our children’s visual health. If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, you may be looking for ways to manage this condition beyond traditional glasses. Fortunately, advancements in optometry have led to the development of myopia management services, offering a proactive approach to slow down the progression of myopia in children. In this blog, we will discuss what myopia is and how myopia management services can help protect your child’s vision.
What is myopia?
Myopia is a common refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. It typically develops during childhood and progresses as the child grows, often stabilizing in early adulthood. Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
The importance of myopia management
Managing myopia goes beyond the traditional use of eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct vision. While these methods provide clear vision, they do not address the underlying issue of the eye’s elongation. Myopia management offers effective solutions for slowing down the progression of myopia and preventing it from getting worse.
The earlier you start myopia management services for your child, the better the chances of reducing the progression of myopia. Myopia tends to progress rapidly during childhood and adolescence, and early intervention can have long-lasting benefits for your child’s vision. By starting myopia management services early, you can help your child avoid the need for stronger prescriptions and reduce the risk of eye diseases later in life.
Myopia management options
There are several myopia management services available today that eye doctors can prescribe or recommend to help manage myopia and its progression. These may include:
- Orthokeratology (ortho-k): Ortho-k is a non-surgical and reversible method that involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, allowing them to have clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-k has been shown to effectively slow down the progression of myopia.
- Atropine eye drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops are sometimes prescribed for myopia management. Atropine helps relax the focusing mechanism of the eye, thereby slowing down the progression of myopia. This treatment is often used in conjunction with other methods, such as ortho-k, to maximize the effectiveness of myopia management.
How can myopia management benefit your child?
Myopia management services are a good option for children who show signs of myopia. While glasses and contacts can correct the immediate vision problem, they do not stop the progression of myopia. By using myopia management services, your child can benefit from reduced eye strain, improved visual acuity, and a lower risk of developing eye diseases in the future. Additionally, myopia management services can also improve your child’s quality of life. With clearer vision, your child can enjoy outdoor activities and sports without worrying about vision problems.
If you’re concerned about your child’s vision or you suspect that your child may be developing nearsightedness, schedule an appointment with us today and ask our eye doctor about our myopia management services in Coral Gables or Palmetto Bay, Florida. They can provide the guidance and care needed to protect your child’s eyes now and in the future.