Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is one of the most prevalent vision issues worldwide, affecting millions of children and adults.
While glasses or contact lenses can correct blurry distance vision, myopia management goes beyond correction—it focuses on slowing its progression and reducing long-term risks to eye health.
At Accurate Family Vision, we provide expert myopia management solutions in to safeguard your child’s vision and overall eye health. Let’s see what myopia is, why it matters, and how proactive care can make a lasting difference.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision while near objects remain clear. Myopia typically begins in childhood and tends to worsen as the eye continues to grow.
Signs of myopia in children:
- Squinting to see distant objects.
- Complaints of blurry vision, especially with classroom boards or screens.
- Holding books or devices very close to the face.
- Difficulty seeing road signs while driving.
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam is essential for early detection and effective management.
The Risks of Progressive Myopia
While myopia may seem like a simple need for glasses, its progression can lead to serious eye health complications over time, including:
- Retinal Detachment: The elongation of the eye increases the risk of the retina separating from the back of the eye, which can lead to vision loss if untreated.
- Glaucoma: Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased pressure in the eye, a key risk factor for glaucoma.
- Cataracts: Myopia raises the likelihood of developing cataracts at an earlier age.
- Macular Degeneration: Myopia-related elongation of the eye can lead to changes in the macula, impacting central vision.Early intervention through myopia management is critical to reducing these risks and preserving long-term eye health.
What Causes Myopia?
Myopia is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors:
- Genetics: If one or both parents are nearsighted, their child has a higher likelihood of developing myopia.
- Lifestyle Factors: Increased screen time, limited outdoor activities, and prolonged near work (e.g., reading or using digital devices) are associated with higher rates of myopia in children.
What Is Myopia Management?
Myopia management aims to slow the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of severe vision impairment and associated eye health issues. At Accurate Family Vision, we offer a range of treatment options tailored to each child’s needs:
1. MiSight Lenses ®
MiSight lenses ® are FDA-approved soft contact lenses specifically designed for children. These lenses:
- Correct vision like traditional contacts.
- Use specialized optics to slow the progression of myopia by focusing light in a way that reduces eye elongation.
2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K lenses are gas-permeable contacts worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. This temporary reshaping provides clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts while also slowing myopia progression.
3. Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine drops are a proven treatment option to slow eye growth in children with progressive myopia.
4. Glasses and Traditional Contacts
Specialized glasses and contact lenses with anti-myopia designs can also help manage progression while improving vision clarity.
Why Early Intervention Matters
The earlier myopia management begins, the greater the impact on your child’s long-term eye health. Children’s eyes grow rapidly, making them more susceptible to the progression of myopia during their formative years. By starting treatment early, we can reduce the risk of severe myopia and its associated complications.
Expert Myopia Management at Accurate Family Vision
At Accurate Family Vision, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to provide effective myopia management solutions. Our team specializes in pediatric optometry, offering:
- Comprehensive Eye Exams: Early detection through detailed assessments of eye growth and vision health.
- Cutting-Edge Treatments: Options like MiSight ® lenses and Ortho-K for proven results.
- Patient Education: Empowering families with knowledge to make informed decisions about their child’s eye care.
Take Action to Protect Your Child’s Vision
Myopia management is an investment in your child’s future, helping to prevent vision loss and reduce the risks associated with high myopia.
Request an appointment in Gilbert to start your child’s myopia management journey.
Together, we can safeguard their vision and set them up for a lifetime of clear sight.