Myopia or nearsightedness is when your eyes do not focus light correctly so that distant objects appear blurry. Correcting nearsightedness with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (LASIK) prevents visual symptoms, but does not prevent it from changing each year.
There are genetic factors (inherited from parents) as well as environmental factors such as spending less time outdoors and increased periods of near work. If many family members have myopia, there is a higher-than-average chance your child will develop it as well. The amount of nearsightedness typically continues to increase into the late teen years or even early adulthood.
What is Myopia Control?
Myopia control methods aim to limit progression of nearsightedness to reduce risk of further ophthalmic disease. There is a strong association with higher amounts of nearsightedness and the risk of certain eye diseases including macular degeneration, retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataracts. The treatment options cannot reverse myopia that is already present but can significantly slow further changes. Overall, most myopia control methods have shown slowing of progression by about 50%.
Non-medical Treatments for Myopia
There are things you can do to help keep your eyes healthy and reduce your myopia risk:
Spend Time Outdoors – Increased time outdoors with exposure to sunlight has been shown to reduce risk of myopia.
Take Regular Breaks From Screens And Near Work – Take short breaks from electronics and reading material every 20-30 minutes.
Avoid Holding Books or Screens Too Close – Viewing a device or book too closely for an extended period of time can increase the risk of myopia for younger users and eyestrain for users of all ages. There are screen distance settings that can be used on most devices.
Medical Treatments for Myopia
Glasses or Single Vision Contact Lenses – Glasses or contact lenses help your child’s eyes focus better, so they can see clearly without straining.
Low Dose Atropine Drops – These are drops you put in your child’s eyes before bedtime. Several studies have demonstrated that these drops, in varying strengths, can slow the progression of myopia. Your provider can discuss what strength may be appropriate for your child.
Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses – These special contacts bend light in a way to help relax the focusing system and create peripheral defocus – studies have shown that wearing these can slow progression of myopia in some children.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – These are rigid contacts that are worn while sleeping to reshape the eye and can be effective for a select group of children. This method of treatment is not currently offered at Associated Eye Care. If your child is a good candidate for this treatment option, your provider may refer you to an outside location.
The Pediatric Eye Care providers at Associated Eye Care are experts in evaluating your child for myopia and making customized treatment recommendations.
