Are you wondering when is the right time to start myopia management for you or your child? Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that can worsen over time if not properly managed. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of early intervention in myopia management and talk about the best time to start treatment.
What is myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This can result in blurry vision when looking at distant objects. Myopia can develop in children as young as 6 years old and typically progresses until the late teenage years to early twenties. The earlier myopia is detected and managed, the better chance there is to slow down its progression and reduce the risk of complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.
What is myopia management?
There are several effective methods for managing myopia, including orthokeratology (ortho-k), MiSight® lenses, and atropine eye drops. Ortho-k involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea and temporarily correct myopia during the day. Orthokeratology may stop the eyeball shape from continuing to grow, which can slow or stop the progression of myopia, especially when used at a young age.
MiSight® 1 day lenses are soft contact lenses that have been shown to slow down myopia progression in children. Atropine eye drops can also be used to dilate the pupil and reduce nearsightedness progression. Atropine eye drops are used at night before bed. Even if children are prescribed atropine drops to manage their myopia, they will still need to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day to correct their vision.
When should you start myopia management?
The best time to start myopia management is during childhood or adolescence when the eyes are still developing and growing rapidly. Studies have shown that starting myopia management early can lead to better outcomes in terms of reducing the rate of progression and preventing high levels of myopia later in life. However, it’s never too late to start myopia management, even for adults who have been nearsighted for many years. By working closely with your eye care provider, you can develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and helps maintain healthy eyesight.
In conclusion, early intervention is key when it comes to managing myopia effectively. By starting myopia management as soon as possible after diagnosis, you can help prevent further progression of nearsightedness and reduce the risk of complications later in life. Clarin Eye Care Center and Coral Gables Eye Care provide myopia management services in Coral Gables and Palmetto Bay, including ortho-k, MiSight® lenses, atropine eye drops, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. If you or your child are experiencing increasing nearsightedness, schedule an appointment with our experienced eye care professionals today.