Understanding Myopia in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is increasingly affecting children worldwide. This condition makes it difficult for children to see distant objects clearly, impacting their performance in school, sports, and daily activities. Understanding myopia's causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help parents make informed decisions about their child’s eye health. At G&G Eye Doctors, we specialize in myopia control and vision correction for children, offering advanced treatments to slow the progression of myopia.

What Causes Myopia in Children?

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long, or the cornea becomes too curved, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred vision for distant objects. The exact cause of myopia in children is not fully understood, but both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Children with parents who are nearsighted are more likely to develop myopia. Additionally, spending extended periods of time on close-up tasks like reading or using digital devices can increase the risk of developing myopia.

Signs and Symptoms of Myopia in Children

Parents should be aware of the common signs of myopia in children, as early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Symptoms of myopia may include:

• Squinting: Children with myopia may squint to see distant objects more clearly.
• Sitting close to screens: They may sit very close to the television or hold books and devices near their face.
• Complaints of blurry vision: Children may express difficulty seeing the board at school or objects far away.
• Eye strain and headaches: Myopia can cause eye discomfort, especially after focusing on distant objects for extended periods.
• Rubbing their eyes: Children with myopia may rub their eyes frequently due to visual discomfort.

Why Myopia Control Is Essential

Managing myopia in children is crucial not only for clear vision but also to reduce the risk of serious eye conditions later in life. High levels of myopia can increase the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. Early intervention through myopia control treatments can slow the progression of myopia, helping to protect your child’s long-term eye health.

Effective Myopia Control Options

At G&G Eye Doctors, we offer several myopia control options to help manage and slow the progression of myopia in children:

• Ortho-K (Orthokeratology): This non-surgical treatment involves wearing custom-designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to gently reshape the cornea, allowing clear vision during the day. Ortho-K has been shown to effectively slow the progression of myopia in children.
• Atropine eye drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops are used to slow down the progression of myopia in children. Studies have found atropine drops to be a safe and effective option for reducing the rate of myopia progression.
• Multifocal soft contact lenses: These lenses are designed to provide clear vision at various distances while also helping to slow the progression of myopia.
• Specialized glasses: Some glasses with specific lens designs can help control myopia progression by reducing strain on the eyes.

What to Expect During a Myopia Consultation

A comprehensive eye exam is the first step in managing your child’s myopia. During the consultation, your child’s vision will be evaluated, and a detailed assessment of their eye health will be conducted. If myopia is detected, our optometrists will recommend the most suitable myopia control option based on your child’s age, eye condition, and lifestyle.

Preventing Myopia Progression

While genetics play a significant role in myopia development, there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk of progression in your child:

• Encourage outdoor activities: Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can reduce the risk of myopia progression. Ensure your child gets regular outdoor playtime, especially during daylight hours.
• Limit screen time: Prolonged use of digital devices and close-up tasks can contribute to myopia progression. Encourage your child to take breaks from screens and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
• Regular eye exams: Schedule regular eye exams to monitor your child’s vision and detect changes in myopia early.

Book a Myopia Consultation at G&G Eye Doctors

If you’re concerned about your child’s vision or if they’ve been diagnosed with myopia, the team at G&G Eye Doctors is here to help. We specialize in myopia control and offer personalized care to manage and slow the progression of myopia. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can protect your child’s vision.