As a parent, ensuring your children's health and well-being is a top priority, and this includes their eye health. A common eye condition that impacts children is myopia or nearsightedness, where an individual experiences blurry distance vision. If left unchecked, your child may experience serious complications in the future as a result of myopia.
Myopia management at Project Eyecare Optometry in Mission Viejo offers a comprehensive approach. Our goal is to slow the progression of myopia and protect your child's vision. Our experienced team uses the latest techniques and treatments tailored to your child's needs to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Myopia and Its Implications
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back. This causes light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
A curved lens can also cause the eye to focus light incorrectly. This causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. This refractive error typically begins in childhood and tends to progress until the late teenage years or early adulthood.
The concern with high myopia is more than just the need for stronger glasses or contact lenses. Uncontrolled myopia increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. Managing myopia early and effectively is crucial for long-term eye health.
Myopia Management Strategies
Myopia management strategies are a set of specialized treatments and practices aimed at slowing the progression of nearsightedness. They address the underlying causes of myopia. This reduces the risk of developing severe refractive errors and related eye health issues later in life.
Several myopia management strategies can help slow the progression of myopia in children:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily
- Multifocal Contact Lenses: Soft lenses with different zones of focus to help control myopia progression
- Multifocal Eyeglasses: Glasses designed with peripheral defocus technology to reduce myopia progression
- Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops are applied daily to slow eye growth
How Long Does Myopia Management Take?
The duration of myopia management varies for each child and depends on several factors:
- Age of Onset: Myopia that starts at a younger age often progresses more rapidly and may require longer management
- Rate of Progression: Children whose myopia progresses quickly may need extended management to slow down progression effectively
- Compliance with Treatment: Consistent use of prescribed treatments can influence the duration and effectiveness of myopia management
Typically, myopia management continues until the child’s eye growth stabilizes, usually around 18 to 21. However, this can vary, and some children might need ongoing management beyond these years.
Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial to monitor the progression of myopia and adjust the treatment plan as needed. We recommend follow-up visits every six months to a year, depending on the child's specific needs and treatment plan.
The Long-Term Benefits of Myopia Control
- Reduced Risk of Severe Eye Conditions: By slowing the progression of myopia, we can lower the likelihood of developing serious eye health issues such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy later in life.
- Improved Quality of Life: Children who undergo myopia management often experience better overall eye health, allowing them to maintain clearer distance vision.
- Decreased Dependence on Strong Prescriptions: Effective myopia management can reduce the need for strong prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, providing greater comfort and convenience.
- Enhanced Academic and Social Performance: With clearer vision, children are likely to perform better in school and engage more confidently in social and recreational activities.
- Long-Term Eye Health: Early intervention and consistent management can lead to healthier eyes throughout life, preventing complications associated with high myopia.
Schedule A Myopia Consultation
If you have concerns about your child's myopia or want to learn more about myopia management options, request an eye exam at Project Eyecare Optometry in Mission Viejo.
