3 Reasons Why You Should Never Ignore the Signs of Childhood Myopia
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition that makes it difficult for a person to see objects that are in the distance. It’s a fairly common condition that impacts countless people and often develops in childhood. Myopia can develop for several reasons. For example, several studies have shown that there is a direct connection between myopia in children and digital devices. A common cause of myopia is an elongated eyeball. If the eye is too long, light will focus on the front of the retina instead of the retina itself.
While myopia cannot be fully cured, there are ways to slow down myopia progression in the eyes of children. Here are three reasons why you should never ignore the signs of childhood myopia:
- Myopia Is Easier to Manage During Childhood
While myopia often develops in children, it can increase the risk of developing severe ocular conditions later in adulthood. If signs of childhood myopia are identified addressed early on, however, there is a possibility that myopia can be slowed down and somewhat halted. - Untreated Myopia Can Be Damaging in the Long Run
Although myopia may seem like more of a nuisance than a serious vision problem, it’s important to understand that there are several eye health issues that can manifest as a result of having myopia. Cases of myopia can sometimes lead to the development of glaucoma, cataracts, a detached retina, macular degeneration and, in extreme cases, blindness. - A Physical and Psychological Impact On Your Child
You should never overlook the fact that vision issues can ultimately hold your child back from truly enjoying certain aspects of their life. For example, they may find it difficult if not impossible to play their favorite sport. Also, they may struggle to keep up in school because they are having issues seeing the whiteboard. These drawbacks can not only have a physical impact on a child but a psychological one as well.
Myopia Management
If your child displays signs of childhood myopia and is diagnosed with the condition, there are several treatment options that are available such as:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses: Ortho-K lenses are custom-designed for your child to wear overnight. These lenses help to gently reshape the cornea of the eye which can correct myopia during the day. This treatment has been shown to slow down the growth of the eye. This is one of the most popular options in myopia treatment because it allows for myopia management without the necessity of needing to wear contacts or glasses during the day.
- Atropine treatments: Atropine treatment incorporates using atropine drops in addition to contact lenses or regular glasses. These drops relax the eye, which can ultimately help to slow down the progression of myopia.
- Distance Center Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: This option utilizes lenses such as the CooperVision Might one-day lens. These lenses are comfortable and can help a child to live their life without additional distraction. They slow down the progression of myopia by slowing down the growth of the eye.
Schedule Your Appointment for Myopia Management Today
Myopia is a very common condition, but it is not one that should be taken lightly. In its lowest forms, it can damage your child’s quality of life, while extreme cases can have more physical repercussions on your child’s eyes. If your child is showing signs of myopia early on, don’t ignore them. Acting on the condition early can ensure that your child is able to live a life with normal vision and reduce the risk of developing severe eye issues later on. If you have questions about myopia management or if you suspect that your child may have myopia, please get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment.
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