Myopia Control: The Latest Advances in Treatment for Children

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children around the world. Characterized by difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, myopia often develops during school-age years and tends to worsen as children grow. With the rise of screen time and reduced outdoor activity, early intervention and treatment are more critical than ever.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or when the cornea is too curved. As a result, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry. Genetics can play a role, but lifestyle factors are also contributing to the global increase in childhood myopia.

Children with undiagnosed or poorly managed myopia may struggle to see the whiteboard, read signs, or participate fully in class activities. This can lead to reduced academic performance, lower self-confidence, and a lack of engagement in both classroom and extracurricular activities. Clear vision is foundational to learning, making early detection and treatment essential.

Why Regular Pediatric Eye Exams Are Essential

Myopia often progresses gradually, and children may not realize their vision is changing. Regular comprehensive eye exams are the best way to catch vision problems early - often before they interfere with schoolwork or daily life.

What Is Myopia Management and Why Is It Important?

While traditional glasses or contact lenses can correct blurry vision caused by myopia, they don't stop it from worsening. Myopia management focuses on slowing the progression of myopia to reduce the long-term risk of serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Controlling myopia early in life is key to protecting long-term eye health and maintaining quality of life as children grow into adulthood.

Myopia Management Treatments

There are several clinically proven strategies available today to help manage and slow the progression of myopia in children:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight reshape the cornea temporarily, providing clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts. Ortho-K is effective in both correcting and controlling myopia progression.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops, typically applied once daily, have been shown to slow myopia progression significantly in children. These drops are safe and well-tolerated under the supervision of an optometrist.

• Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: These lenses offer clear vision while incorporating special optical designs that help control eye growth and reduce myopia progression.

• Multifocal Eyeglasses: Though less effective than contact lenses or Ortho-K, specialized multifocal glasses can also help slow down myopia development in some children, especially when contact lenses aren't a preferred option.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

As myopia becomes more prevalent among children, understanding the importance of early detection and proactive management is essential. With modern treatments and a customized approach, we can help protect your child’s vision now and for the future.

At Belding Family Eye Care, we specialize in pediatric eye care and offer the latest in myopia control treatments. Contact to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and learn more about which myopia management strategy is right for your child. Visit our office in Belding, Michigan, or call (616) 794-9088 today.