As parents, we always want what’s best for our kids. We take them to the doctor, make sure they eat healthy, and encourage them to stay active. But one thing we often overlook is their eyesight. Many vision problems start at an early age, including myopia. While regular glasses and contact lenses can help children with myopia see clearly, they won’t stop or slow down its progression. This is where myopia management comes in.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss when you should start myopia management for your child and how it can protect their vision.
What is myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision problem where distant objects appear blurry but up-close objects are clear. It happens when the eyeball grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This can be due to genetics or environmental factors like spending too much time on screens and not enough time outdoors.
Myopia usually starts during childhood and gets worse as kids get older. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of serious eye issues like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment later in life. That’s why taking steps to manage myopia is so important.
When should your child start myopia management?
So, when should you start managing your child’s myopia? The answer is simple: as soon as possible! Early intervention with proper treatment options can help slow down the progression of myopia and lower the risk of developing serious eye issues later in life.
There are several different methods for managing myopia, including orthokeratology (ortho-k), atropine eye drops, and soft contact lenses like MiSight® 1-day. MiSight® 1-day lenses are the first and only soft contact lenses approved by the FDA to slow down myopia progression in kids aged 8-12. Ortho-k lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, temporarily correcting myopia during the day and helping to slow its progression. Atropine eye drops work by dilating the pupil and relaxing the eye muscles to slow down myopia progression. Your child’s eye doctor can perform an eye exam and recommend the best treatment option for your little one.
In conclusion, early intervention is key when it comes to managing myopia in children. At the Eyecare Center of Ken Caryl, we offer myopia management for children in Littleton, Colorado. Our optometrists may recommend MiSight® 1-day soft contact lenses, Paragon CRT® ortho-k lenses, or atropine eye drops. These options have been proven effective in slowing down the progression of myopia in children. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your child’s eye exam and learn more about our myopia management services.