Understanding Myopia
Myopia, often called nearsightedness, is a common eye condition where distant objects appear blurry. It affects nearly 30% of people in the US and occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Unfortunately, there's no cure for myopia, but it's crucial to address it early as it can lead to serious eye problems like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. This is especially important for children, as myopia tends to progress during their growing years.
At Del Family Eyecare, we specialize in helping children manage their myopia to reduce the risk of future vision issues. Contact us today to learn how we can assist in safeguarding your child's vision.
Maintaining Your Child's Vision
Children's vision develops as they grow, with most kids mastering skills like depth perception and focusing by the time they start school. However, it's essential for parents to stay vigilant for signs of vision problems, such as squinting or avoiding reading. Children who develop myopia early, around ages 6 to 8, are at higher risk of severe myopia later on. Encouraging outdoor activities may help delay its onset, as studies suggest a link between myopia and excessive near work, like reading and using computers.
How we can manage Myopia: (3 Options)
While myopia can't be reversed, there are effective ways to slow its progression, especially in children. At Del Family Eyecare, we offer tailored solutions like specialized glasses and contact lenses designed to reduce myopia progression in kids. During your visit with Dr. Del Vecchio, the best options will be discussed for your child.
1. MiSight® Daily Contact Lenses
For children as young as 8, the FDA-approved MiSight® daily contact lenses as a convenient way to manage myopia progression. These are soft contact lenses that children can wear to help prevent their myopia from quickly progressing.
Low-dose atropine eye drops are another tool in our arsenal for managing myopia in children. Research suggests they can halve the rate of myopia progression, providing a promising solution for concerned parents.
3. Ortho-K
Orthokeratology contact lenses, or ortho-K lenses, are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. Clinical trials have shown they can reduce myopia progression by up to 56%, offering a non-invasive option for parents seeking to protect their child's vision.
By addressing myopia early and effectively, we can help ensure your child enjoys clear vision and a brighter future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our myopia management options.