The Scoop on Myopic Management

What is Myopia?

Myopia (or nearsightedness) is a common cause of correctable vision loss. Uncorrected myopia is the leading cause of distance vision impairment globally. Numerous studies have shown a steep increase in myopia cases over the last 3 decades. A recent landmark publication estimates that by 2050, half the world population will have myopia. 

Generally, once a child develops nearsightedness, the condition will progress. Younger children tend to progress more quickly. Sometimes this rapid progression can lead to higher levels of impaired vision and risk of ocular disease. 

What Is Myopia Management?

The good news is that slowing the progression of childhood myopia is possible. Starting myopia management treatment may slow progression of the problem and reduce future vision impairment. Doing so helps protect the eye health of your child.

Myopia management involves using prescription eye drops and corrective prescription lenses to reduce myopia progression. Treatment options vary based on the individual’s age, genetics, and rate of progression. Individuals are monitored periodically to determine the best treatment until the condition is deemed stable.

What are the causes of Myopia?

Myopia can develop for various reasons. Anatomically, light is focused “too much” for the length of that specific eye. This could be caused by increased curvature of the cornea or by an eye that is longer than average. Myopia causes distance vision, like words on the board in class, to become blurred. When children with myopia progress, their eyes can lengthen which may result in greater visual impairment.

What Children Are at High Risk?

Children at the age of seven or under at the time of diagnosis have the highest risk of myopic progression. As mentioned before, younger children may progress more quickly. As children grow through adolescence into adulthood, their eyes begin to stabilize and the risk of myopic progression decreases with age.

What are the symptoms of Myopia?

Young children with visual impairment often do not realize there is a problem. School screening exams may fail to diagnose myopia appropriately. Some potential symptoms of early myopia include:

• Eye rubbing.
• Excessive eye-watering.
• Frequent headaches.
• Closing one eye or squinting to read.
• Sitting very close to the television screen.
• Holding tablets or books very close to the face.
• Worsening athletic or school performances may also be symptoms of visual impairment. 

At What Age Can You Start Myopia Management for Your Child?

Myopia management has no age requirement, but it is ideal to begin the treatment immediately after realizing your child is at high risk. Doing so will help reduce lifelong dependency on vision correction and lower the risk of eye disease.

Some eye problems such as myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and glaucoma are more likely in adults who have higher levels of myopia. Early response will protect your child’s long-term eye health and help prevent potentially blinding eye disease.

Can Treatment Prevent the Onset of Myopia?

Myopia is impossible to prevent because it is often an inherited condition. But you can protect your child’s eye health by taking them for regular eye checkups. Pay attention if they have trouble seeing things and look for the myopia symptoms mentioned above. 

Some studies show that myopia development is suppressed when one participates in outdoor activities. Spending more time outdoors and minimizing near focused time included screen time on phones, television, and tablet.

For more on myopia management, visit Natural State Eyecare at our office in Little Rock, Arkansas. You can also call (501) 295-4011 to book an appointment today.