With increasingly more time spent in front of screens and less outdoors, more kids are developing myopia at an earlier age. Although this eye condition can be managed to a certain extent, myopia can lead to more serious eye health issues if left untreated.
That’s where myopia management at Abdella EyeCare, PC in Flint Township comes into play.
Myopia and Its Impact on Vision
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long or when the eye's lens is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in distant objects appearing blurry, while close-up vision remains clear.
As myopia progresses, the risk of more severe vision problems later in life increases. Furthermore, the earlier myopia starts, the more likely it is to worsen over time, making an individual susceptible to retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts
By addressing myopia as soon as it’s detected, you can significantly slow its progression, reducing the risk of more severe vision problems later in life. Myopia management not only helps maintain clear vision but also supports overall eye health, allowing your child to enjoy a lifetime of better vision.
Factors Causing Myopia
Factors contributing to the rise in childhood myopia include:
- Increased screen time
- Reduced outdoor activities
- Genetic predisposition
With these factors in mind, it’s more important than ever for parents to be proactive in managing their child’s myopia.
Myopia Management: What Are the Options?
Myopia management involves a range of strategies aimed at slowing the progression of myopia and reducing the risk of long-term complications. Here are some of the most effective methods:
1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K contact lenses, are a non-surgical myopia treatment. These specially designed contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea and temporarily correct myopia. The result is your child enjoying clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. Not only does Ortho K provide clear vision, but it's also been shown to slow the progression of myopia, making it an excellent option for managing childhood myopia.
For active children who participate in sports or those who are self-conscious about wearing glasses, Ortho-K offers a practical and effective solution. Additionally, Ortho-K is non-invasive and reversible, making it a safe choice for children and young adults.
2. Multifocal Contact Lenses for Myopia
Multifocal contact lenses have also been found to slow myopia progression in children. These lenses provide different zones of focus, which can help reduce the eye's elongation, thereby controlling myopia.
3. Myopia Control Glasses
Much like multifocal contacts, multifocal glasses offer vision correction while slowing the rate of the eyeball's growth.
4. Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops are another effective treatment for myopia management. When administered daily, these drops can slow the progression of myopia in children by relaxing the eye's focusing mechanism.
5. Lifestyle Modifications
Encouraging outdoor activities and reducing screen time are simple but effective ways to manage myopia. Studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia or experience slower progression.
Additionally, regular breaks during reading or using digital devices can also help reduce eye strain and the risk of myopia worsening.
Request Myopia Management Near you in Flint Township
If you’re concerned about your child's vision or if they’ve already been diagnosed with myopia, it’s important to explore your options for myopia management at Abdella EyeCare, PC in Flint Township.