Myopia Management for children
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are clear. Managing myopia is essential, especially in children and adolescents, as its progression can lead to higher degrees of myopia and increased risk of eye conditions later in life.
Goals of Myopia Management
Slow the progression of myopia.
Reduce the risk of developing complications associated with high myopia.
Improve overall visual quality and comfort.
Types of Myopia Management
Prescription Glasses
Single vision or specialty myopia control lenses tailored to correct vision while providing comfort.
Contact Lenses
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Rigid gas permeable lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, reducing myopia during the day.
Soft Lenses: Designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances and may help slow myopia progression.
Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine drops have been shown to effectively slow myopia progression in children.
Typically used daily or several times a week, based on the doctor’s recommendation.
Lifestyle Modifications
Good Visual Habits:
Take regular breaks during prolonged near tasks (e.g., the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
Proper Lighting:
Ensure adequate lighting when reading or using screens to reduce eye strain.
Increased Outdoor Time:
Encourage spending more time outdoors, as studies suggest that natural light exposure can help slow myopia progression.
Limit Screen Time
Reducing prolonged near work and screen time can help manage eye strain and may positively influence myopia progression.
Regular Follow-Ups
Frequent check-ups to monitor changes in refractive error and adjust management strategies accordingly
Myopia management involves a combination of approaches customized to individual needs. Early intervention and regular monitoring can significantly influence the progression of myopia and enhance long-term eye health. Consult with an eye care professional for personalized strategies and recommendations.
Good vision is an essential element of a child’s learning and development. Don’t forget to bring your child to see an optometrist every year.
Myopia progresses fastest in younger children, especially those under the age of 10. This means that the best opportunity to slow eye growth is when children are younger.
Most myopia is caused by the eye length growing too quickly in childhood. The eyes are meant to grow from birth until the early teens and then cease, but in myopia the eyes grow too much and/or continue growing into the teenage years. Once a child becomes myopic, their vision typically deteriorates every 6-12 months, requiring a stronger and stronger prescription. This will increase the likelihood of vision threatening eye diseases in later life, such as myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and cataracts.
Please speak to your extended health benefit provider to have a better understanding of your plan coverage. Due to privacy issues, we are unable to access your coverage information.