Myopia Management

Myopia Management

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. In recent years, the prevalence of myopia has increased significantly, particularly in children. Early detection and proper management are crucial to prevent the condition from worsening and impacting your child's life.

What is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This leads to blurry vision when looking at distant objects. Myopia typically develops in childhood and often progresses into the teenage years.

Signs and Symptoms of Myopia

• It’s important for parents to recognize the early signs of myopia in children, which can include:
• Squinting to see distant objects
• Complaints of headaches or eye strain
• Difficulty seeing the board at school
• Holding books or electronic devices very close to their face
• Frequently rubbing their eyes

The Importance of Early Detection

Regular pediatric eye exams are vital for early detection of myopia. Children may not always be aware of or express vision problems, making comprehensive eye exams essential. Early detection allows for timely intervention, which can slow the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of more severe vision issues later in life.

Myopia can significantly affect a child's academic performance and self-esteem. If left untreated, children may struggle to see the board, read materials, or participate fully in class. This can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a drop in confidence.

Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age, followed by another at age 3, before starting school at age 5 or 6, and then annually thereafter to ensure healthy vision development.

Why Myopia Management is Essential

Managing myopia is about more than just correcting vision with glasses. It’s essential for preventing the condition from worsening over time. High myopia increases the risk of serious eye problems, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. These conditions can potentially lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. By managing myopia early, you can help protect your child's long-term eye health and reduce these risks. We offer several effective myopia management strategies to help slow the progression of myopia in children.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical and highly effective method for myopia management. It involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight, which gently reshape the cornea while the wearer sleeps. By temporarily altering the shape of the cornea, Ortho-K lenses correct nearsightedness, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Beyond correcting vision, Ortho-K has been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children by controlling the elongation of the eye. This makes it a popular choice among parents looking for a safe, non-invasive solution to manage their child’s myopia.

Myopia Control Soft Contact Lenses

Myopia control soft contact lenses are an advanced option for managing the progression of myopia, particularly in children and teenagers. These specialized lenses are designed with multifocal zones that help redirect light to focus more accurately on the retina, which slows the elongation of the eye. Myopia control lenses not only correct vision but also actively work to reduce the progression of nearsightedness over time. These lenses are comfortable, easy to adapt to, and provide the convenience of contact lens wear while offering a proactive solution for long-term eye health.

Myopia Control Spectacle Lenses

Myopia control spectacle lenses are an innovative solution for managing the progression of myopia, especially in children. These lenses are specially designed with unique optical zones that reduce the eye’s tendency to elongate. Myopia control lenses incorporate multiple focal points that help to focus light more effectively on the retina, reducing strain and slowing the progression of nearsightedness.

Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine eye drops work by temporarily relaxing the eye's focusing muscles and dilating the pupil, which helps reduce the eye's growth that leads to increased myopia. Low-dose atropine has been found to be effective in slowing down the rate of myopia progression while minimizing side effects like light sensitivity and near-vision blur. This treatment is often recommended for children showing rapid myopia progression and is usually combined with regular eye exams to monitor effectiveness and adjust dosages.

Take Control of Your Child’s Vision Today!

At CU Vision Optometrists, we offer advanced myopia management solutions to help protect your child’s eye health and ensure they thrive both academically and socially. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our experienced optometrists to explore the best treatment options for your child’s individual needs.

Call us today or book an appointment online to give your child the clear, healthy vision they deserve!