What is Myopia? Understanding Nearsightedness in Children
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common eye condition where distant objects appear blurry. Even if your child doesn't complain about seeing things far away—like the board in a classroom—they might still have myopia.
How Does Myopia Develop in Kids?
In children with myopia, the eye gradually becomes longer, making it harder to focus on distant objects. Without proper intervention, myopia typically worsens over time as they grow.
Myopia Control Treatments for Kids
Managing myopia early can help slow its progression and protect your child’s vision as they grow. Here are a few effective myopia control treatments:
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed contact lenses worn overnight gently reshape the cornea, temporarily improving vision and slowing myopia progression.
Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops can be applied before bedtime to help slow down myopia's progression in children.
Multifocal Contact Lenses: These contacts have multiple focusing zones, which can reduce the eye's tendency to grow longer.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Encouraging outdoor play and reducing screen time may also help in managing myopia.
For more information on myopia control and to find the best treatment for your child, call our office today! Our team at Unique Optometry in San Francisco is here to help protect your child’s vision for the future.