February is Low Vision Awareness Month, a time to highlight vision impairments that cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts. Childhood myopia (nearsightedness) can lead to severe vision problems later in life if left untreated.
Why Childhood Myopia Matters:
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing blurred distance vision. If unmanaged, it increases the risk of the following eye diseases later in life.
- Myopic Maculopathy: a serious eye condition where severe nearsightedness (high myopia) damages the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp vision. As the eye stretches, it can cause thinning, scarring, or bleeding, leading to blurry vision, blind spots, or even permanent vision loss if untreated.
- Retinal Detachment: occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, causing blurry vision, flashes of light, or floaters. If untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Severe nearsightedness (high myopia) increases the risk.
- Glaucoma: a condition that damages the nerve at the back of the eye, often due to high eye pressure, leading to vision loss over time.
- Cataracts: occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, making vision blurry or foggy.
How to Protect Your Child’s Eyes:
👀 Schedule regular eye exams for early detection🌿 Encourage outdoor play to slow progression📱 Limit screen time and reduce eye strain
At Treehouse Eyes, we specialize in non-invasive myopia treatments, including customized contact lenses and prescription eye drops. In Treehouse Eyes’ 2022 CAMP study, a retrospective analysis of 342 children in myopia treatment, 64% of children saw no additional axial elongation over a 3-year period.
We encourage you to take action in protecting your child’s eye health. Begin by completing our FREE Myopia Assessment today to help ensure their vision stays healthy.
🔍 This Low Vision Awareness Month, take action—protect your child’s vision today!