Many children may not even know they have myopia because they assume it’s normal. Signs like squinting a little more lately, struggling to see the whiteboard at school, or holding books closer to the face may indicate myopia or nearsightedness.
Myopia can’t be reversed, but we can slow its progression with the right treatments. A comprehensive eye exam can help detect and address myopia to help preserve your child’s vision.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia is a common refractive error that develops when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved. The irregular shape causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
This makes objects in the distance appear blurred than those that are close. Myopia is also known as nearsightedness.
Besides blurry vision, symptoms of myopia include:
- Eye strain
- Squinting
- Eye rubbing
- Sore eyes
- Tired eyes
- Headaches
Myopia Risk Factors
One of the leading risk factors of myopia is genetics. If one or both parents are nearsighted, there’s a high risk their children will inherit the refractive error.
While genetics play a key role, environmental factors also contribute to the rise in myopia cases, especially among children:
- Prolonged near work can overly train the eyes to focus on close objects, resulting in weaker distance vision. Near work includes screen use, reading, and writing for hours on end.
- Reduced outdoor time prevents children from focusing on things that are far away, increasing the risk of developing myopia. Spending more time outdoors can promote healthy eye development.
Can Myopia Be Corrected?
Myopia can be corrected, but it can’t be reversed.
One of the biggest misconceptions about myopia is that it can be cured. Myopia develops from structural changes in the eye that can’t be undone.
Eyeglasses and contact lenses can still correct myopia and provide clear vision, but they do not cure the refractive error.
Risks of Myopia
Because you can’t reverse myopia, treatment strategies focus on managing it by slowing its progression. Myopia can increase your risk of developing more serious vision problems later in life, including:
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
- Retinal detachment
- Myopic macular degeneration
Without proper treatment, myopia can progress and lead to high or severe myopia, further increasing your risk of developing these vision concerns.
How Is Myopia Treated?
Myopia control strategies can help manage myopia effectively and prevent progression.
Myopia Control Strategies
Consider specialized myopia control options, such as:
- MiSight contact lenses: These are soft contact lenses designed for children ages 8 to 12 to slow myopia progression.
- Low-dose atropine drops: Low doses of atropine can effectively slow myopia progression in children. Your eye doctor can determine the dosage based on individual vision needs.
- Dual focused glasses and contact lenses: These lenses can correct vision, slow eye growth, and prevent worsening prescriptions.
- Regular eye exams: Scheduling regular checkups help monitor your child’s vision and address any vision problems early.
Tips for Protecting Children’s Vision
Even if your child does not currently have myopia, there are steps you can take to promote long-term eye health:
- Encourage outdoor play: Encourage your child to spend at least 90 minutes outdoors daily. Natural sunlight stimulates healthy eye development and can help control myopia. Spending time outdoors also supports overall physical and mental health.
- Limit screen time: Set boundaries for screen use, especially when it comes to prolonged sessions on phones or tablets. Encourage your child to take a break every 20 minutes of screen time to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Promote a balanced diet: Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with Omega-3 fatty acids, help nurture healthy eyes.
- Maintain proper lighting: Provide your child with adequate lighting while reading or studying to avoid unnecessary eye strain.
Be Proactive About Your Child’s Vision Health
While myopia is not reversible, understanding how to manage it is key to making sure it doesn’t impact your child’s vision and quality of life. By taking proactive steps, like increasing outdoor play, limiting screen time, and exploring modern treatment options, you can help your child maintain healthy vision and reduce the risk of worsening myopia.
Book an appointment with Virginia Eyecare Clinic if you’re concerned about your child’s vision or need guidance on managing vision conditions like myopia.
