Top Myopia Treatments for Children
Although it cannot be cured or reversed, myopia can be managed and treated.
The treatment’s objectives are to strengthen your child’s vision and stop it from deteriorating. Managing myopia is crucial for maintaining their eye health.
Treatment Options to Combat Myopia Progression:
Specialized Contact Lenses:
- Customized multifocal contact lenses are tailored to address myopia progression by slowing down eye growth in some children. Additionally, orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K, offers a unique solution by reshaping the cornea overnight, thus ensuring clearer vision throughout the day.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops:
- Children may benefit from the use of low-dose atropine eye drops, similar to those administered during routine eye examinations. This treatment approach has shown promise in managing myopia progression effectively.
Increasing Outdoor Time:
- Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors can help counteract the onset and progression of myopia. Balancing screen time with outdoor activities is vital for safeguarding their eye health as they continue to grow.
If you’re not sure which treatment would be the best choice, consult your optometrist to determine how you can manage your child’s myopia.
What is Myopia Control?
The use of treatments intended to stop the advancement of myopia is known as “myopia control.” These treatments include atropine eye drops, soft contact lenses, ortho-k, and special types of glasses. Myopia control is especially crucial for children, as it is in this age group that myopia is most likely to progress or worsen quickly.
Both myopia management and myopia control are phrases used to refer to the additional clinical care needed for myopic children and adults. Myopia control typically entails using eye drops, contacts, or glasses to stop the progression of myopia. Myopia control is a broad term that encompasses maintaining eye health as well as various lifestyle and environmental factors that may contribute to the advancement of myopia.
What are The Advantages of Myopia Control?
The primary advantage of treating myopia is to reduce the risks associated with high myopia. Those with high degrees of myopia will have increased risk for diseases such as glaucoma, retinal detachments, and myopic maculopathy. Schedule a consultation with a Treehouse Provider to learn more about slowing the progression of myopia in your child.
Recognizing Signs of Nearsightedness in Your Child
Myopia can impact a child’s academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life if left unaddressed. What are some of the most common signs that parents should watch for to identify if their child may be experiencing nearsightedness?
Some indicative signs of potential nearsighteness could include: ● Frequent Squinting
- Sitting Close to the TV or Holding Devices Close:
- Complaints of Headaches or Eye Strain
- Difficulty Seeing the Whiteboard or Screen at School
- Rubbing Eyes Frequently
- Decline in Academic Performance
- Family History of Myopia
Recognizing the signs of nearsightedness in your child early on is essential for proactive intervention and effective management. If you observe any of the aforementioned signs or have concerns about your child’s vision, don’t hesitate to schedule an myopia consultation with a Treehouse Eyes provider.