Myopia Control: What Parents Need to Know

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children. While glasses and contacts can correct vision, managing the progression of myopia is equally important. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what parents need to know about myopia control, including the causes of myopia, the risks of progression, and effective treatments like Ortho-K and scleral lenses. We’ll also share tips on how parents can help protect their child's vision and prevent long-term complications.

What Causes Myopia in Children?

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred vision when looking at distant objects. Myopia typically develops in school-age children and often progresses throughout childhood and adolescence. Factors contributing to the development of myopia include genetics, increased screen time, and limited outdoor activities.

Why Myopia Control Matters

While myopia can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses, it’s essential to control its progression. High levels of myopia increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. By managing myopia in its early stages, parents can help reduce the risk of these complications and protect their child’s long-term eye health.

Myopia Control Treatment Options

There are several effective myopia control treatments available for children. These treatments not only correct vision but also slow the progression of myopia. Common myopia control treatments include:

• Ortho-K (Orthokeratology): Ortho-K involves wearing custom-fitted gas-permeable contact lenses overnight, which reshape the cornea. This allows children to see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts while also slowing myopia progression. Learn more about Ortho-K.
• Scleral Lenses: Scleral lenses are larger than traditional lenses and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera). They create a tear-filled reservoir that keeps the eye hydrated while correcting vision. Scleral lenses are particularly beneficial for children with advanced myopia or corneal irregularities. Discover more about scleral lenses.
• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops are used to slow the progression of myopia in children. These drops are applied daily and have been shown to be effective in reducing myopia progression.
• Specialized Soft Contact Lenses: Certain soft contact lenses, designed specifically for myopia control, can also help slow the progression of myopia in children.

How Ortho-K Helps Control Myopia

Ortho-K offers a unique advantage by providing both vision correction and myopia control. By reshaping the cornea overnight, Ortho-K lenses not only improve vision but also slow down the progression of myopia. This treatment is ideal for children who are active, as it allows them to enjoy clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts.

Is Your Child a Candidate for Myopia Control?

Myopia control is most effective when started early, ideally when myopia is first diagnosed. Children between the ages of 6 and 18 with mild to moderate myopia are excellent candidates for myopia control treatments. If your child’s prescription has been increasing rapidly, it may be time to explore myopia control options to slow down progression and protect their eye health.

How to Help Your Child Prevent Myopia Progression

In addition to treatment, parents can take steps to help slow the progression of myopia in their children:

• Encourage Outdoor Play: Studies show that spending more time outdoors reduces the risk of myopia progression. Aim for at least two hours of outdoor play daily.
• Limit Screen Time: Reducing screen time and encouraging frequent breaks during near work (reading, writing, screen use) can help prevent myopia from worsening.
• Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular eye exams to monitor your child's vision and catch any changes early.

Book a Myopia Control Consultation at G&G Eye Doctors

At G&G Eye Doctors, we specialize in myopia control for children. Our experienced optometrists offer personalized care to help manage your child’s myopia and protect their vision. If you’re ready to learn more about myopia control options, including Ortho-K and scleral lenses, contact us today to schedule a consultation.