What is Myopia?
Did you know that our vision changes as we grow older?
It's true — when we're born, we're a little bit farsighted. But as we develop our vision, we slowly outgrow this.
However, as we continue to grow, some of us may develop myopia, also known as nearsightedness.
This means we can see near objects clearly without eyeglasses but require prescription glasses or contacts to see things far away.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing distant objects to appear out of focus. If your child finds that distant objects appear blurry, it's important to consult Uptown Eye Care for proper diagnosis and myopia management options.
It's becoming more and more common for people to develop myopia. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, fifty percent of the world's population will be affected.
However, the good news is that there has been a lot of research in recent years looking for ways to slow down or prevent the progression of myopia. Still, catching myopia early is crucial in preventing it from progressing. So be sure to contact Uptown Eye Care in Monticello today to test for nearsightedness and explore myopia management options.
Myopia Treatments for Children at Uptown Eye Care
For children with myopia, there are a variety of treatment options available.
One FDA-approved method is using a low-strength drop called atropine, which can help prevent the eye from stretching.
Another option is using certain types of contact lenses, which can reduce nearsightedness by up to 50%. These contacts are one-day lenses that must be worn daily for full benefit.
Alternatively, orthokeratology lenses, also known as overnight lenses, can be worn while sleeping to reshape the cornea (front of the eye) and are more like retainers after bracing.
These lenses are an excellent option for active kids who don't want the hassle of traditional contacts and want to continue playing sports without worrying about optical eyewear.
Early Detection and Treatment Prevents Future Eye Problems
Timely eye examinations play a crucial role in identifying myopia early on and implementing suitable myopia management strategies. This proactive approach can help prevent potential eye health complications down the line.
For instance, keeping our kids on the smallest prescription once they become nearsighted is essential, as myopia can lead to a higher risk of further eye problems.
If you're concerned about your child's nearsightedness, schedule an appointment with Uptown Eye Care in Monticello today to discuss the different myopia treatment options available.
