Myopia Management

About Myopia Management

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error in the eye where light entering the eye is focused in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred distant vision, while close-up objects remain clear. Myopia typically develops during childhood and can progressively worsen over time if left untreated.

Prevalence of Myopia Among Children

The prevalence of myopia among children has been on the rise, becoming a growing concern worldwide. Studies have shown that the percentage of children affected by myopia has increased significantly, with some regions reporting up to 90% of the population being myopic.

As myopia becomes more prevalent, it is essential to understand the underlying causes and implement effective strategies to address this issue. By addressing the root causes of myopia, we can empower parents and children to take proactive steps towards managing this condition and protecting long-term vision health.

Causes of Myopia

Myopia is a complex condition that arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic Factors:

• Family history: Children with one or both parents who are myopic have a higher risk of developing the condition themselves.

• Inherited traits: Certain genetic variations can predispose individuals to the development of myopia.

• Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups, such as Asian populations, have a higher prevalence of myopia compared to others.
  
  

Environmental Influences:

• Increased near-work activities: Prolonged exposure to close-up tasks, such as reading, writing, and using digital devices, can strain the eyes and contribute to the progression of myopia.

• Reduced outdoor time: Studies have shown that spending less time outdoors and engaging in more indoor activities can increase the risk of myopia development.

• Educational demands: Intensive academic pressures and long hours of studying can exacerbate the progression of myopia in children.

• By understanding the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental influences, we can develop more effective strategies to manage and prevent the progression of myopia in children.
  
  

Recognizing the Symptoms of Myopia in Children

Identifying the early signs of myopia in children is crucial for timely intervention and effective management. As a parent or caregiver, it's important to be aware of the common symptoms associated with myopia:

• Blurred Vision: One of the most obvious signs of myopia is blurred distant vision. Children with myopia may struggle to see clearly objects or details that are far away, such as the blackboard at school or road signs.

• Squinting: Children with myopia may squint their eyes or scrunch up their face when trying to focus on distant objects. This is a natural response to improve visual clarity.

• Eye Strain: Prolonged near-work activities, such as reading or using digital devices, can cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue in children with myopia.

• Frequent Rubbing of Eyes: Children with myopia may frequently rub or touch their eyes, especially after prolonged periods of close-up work.

• Sitting Closer to the TV or Computer Screen: Myopic children may unconsciously move closer to the screen or television to see the content more clearly.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it's essential to schedule an eye examination. Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing myopia and preventing long-term vision complications.

Risks of Untreated Myopia

Myopia can have long-term consequences if left untreated. Untreated myopia can lead to a range of serious vision complications, including:

• Increased Risk of Eye Diseases: Myopia is associated with an increased risk of developing other eye conditions, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy. These conditions can cause permanent vision loss if not managed properly.

• Vision Deterioration: As myopia progresses, the degree of refractive error can increase, leading to further deterioration of vision. This can make it increasingly difficult for individuals to perform everyday tasks and activities.

• Reduced Quality of Life: Untreated myopia can have a significant impact on a child's quality of life, affecting their academic performance, social interactions, and participation in sports or recreational activities.
  
  

Myopia Management Strategies

Myopia management is a comprehensive approach that aims to slow down or even halt the progression of myopia in children. The goal of myopia management is to prevent the worsening of the refractive error and minimize the risk of long-term vision complications.

Bifocal glasses feature two different lens powers, with the upper portion designed for distance vision and the lower portion for near vision. This optical design can help reduce the strain on the eyes during close-up activities, potentially slowing the progression of myopia.

Multifocal soft contact lenses have different lens powers across the surface, similar to bifocal glasses. These lenses can help control the focal point of light entering the eye, which may contribute to slowing the progression of myopia.

Orthokeratology involves the use of specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to improve distant vision and potentially slow the progression of myopia.

Atropine is a medication that can be used as an eye drop to help control the progression of myopia. Low-dose atropine has been shown to effectively slow the worsening of myopia in children.

Each myopia management strategy has its own advantages, considerations, and suitability for different individuals. Our optometrist will work with you to determine the most appropriate approach based on your child's specific needs, age, and stage of myopia development.

Schedule Your Child’s Comprehensive Eye Exam with Rockford Family Eye Care Today

At Rockford Family Eyecare, we are committed to providing comprehensive and personalized myopia management solutions for children. We understand that every child is unique, and their myopia management plan should reflect their individual circumstances. Our optometrist will work closely with you and your child to develop a customized treatment strategy that addresses the specific factors contributing to their myopia.

​​​​​​​Take the first step towards protecting your child's vision and schedule a consultation with our myopia management experts at Rockford Family Eyecare today.