Managing myopia is crucial not just for clear vision today, but for preventing serious eye conditions in the future. Early intervention can slow the progression of myopia, safeguarding your child's eye health and enhancing their quality of life.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, causes distant objects to appear blurry while closer objects remain clear. This condition arises when the eye is too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Myopia can also result from the shape of the cornea or the thickness of the eye's lens. It is one of the most common vision problems worldwide, affecting nearly 30% of the American population, with its incidence increasing rapidly.
The exact cause of myopia remains unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some contributing factors may include:
Genetics If one parent is myopic, the child has a 1 in 3 chance of developing myopia. If both parents are myopic, the risk increases to 1 in 2.
Prolonged Near Work Extensive time spent on activities like reading, writing, and using digital devices.
Limited Outdoor Time Children who spend less time outdoors are at a higher risk of developing myopia.
Uncorrected Vision Problems Failure to address initial vision problems can lead to worsening myopia.
Diet and Nutrition Poor diet lacking essential nutrients can affect overall eye health.
A child with one myopic parent has a 33% chance of developing myopia.
A child with two myopic parents has a 50% chance of developing myopia.
Squinting to see distant objects or the board at school
Holding books or screens very close to their face
Complaints of headaches or eye strain
Frequent eye rubbing
Difficulty seeing the board in school
Avoidance of activities requiring clear distance vision
If your child is showing any of these symptoms, book an appointment now.
Potential for lower academic performance
Challenges in sports and outdoor activities
Increased eye strain and fatigue
Higher risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life
Traditional glasses only correct vision but do not address myopia progression.
Studies show that myopia management strategies can slow the progression of myopia by up to 50%, reducing the risk of high myopia and associated complications like retinal detachment and glaucoma.
Children who undergo myopia management can enjoy better long-term eye health and a lower likelihood of severe vision problems later in life.
There are various myopia management options for your child, and no single solution fits everyone. At Lunettes du Monde Optometry, we have successfully reduced myopia progression in children with Ortho-K for over a decade. In recent years, other effective methods, such as soft contact lens treatments and atropine eye drops, have also been utilized. Sometimes, none of these are necessary, and therapy eyeglass lenses tailored to your child's binocular vision system are most effective. We'll discuss all of these options below.
Orthokeratology A non-surgical treatment using specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day.
Ideal for children and teens with mild to moderate myopia
Active individuals who prefer not to wear glasses or daytime contact lenses
Those seeking to slow the progression of myopi
MiSight 1-day Soft Contact Lenses Daily disposable contact lenses designed to correct vision and slow myopia progression in children.
Ideal for children aged 8-12 with mild to moderate myopia
Parents seeking a safe, effective, and convenient myopia management option
Children who prefer not to wear glasses
Myopia Control Glasses Lenses (coming soon)
Atropine Therapy Specially compounded eye drops used to reduce the progression of myopia.
Applied once daily under doctor instructions
Children will need to continue wearing glasses during treatment
Studies show that managing myopia progression can reduce the risk of developing high myopia, which is associated with a 10-fold increased risk of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.
If you're worried about your child's myopia progression, contact us today to schedule a myopia management consultation. Early intervention is key—addressing the issue now gives us more options before their vision deteriorates further.
To explore the best myopia management option for your child, consult with one of our myopia experts.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
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