As a parent, you want the best for your child. At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical in Liberal, Kansas, we know that myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise in children. Myopia affects a child’s ability to see distant objects clearly, which can impact their academic performance and quality of life.
If your child is nearsighted, here’s why managing myopia early is crucial and how we can help.
Understanding myopia
Myopia is a common vision condition where close objects are seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. It often develops in childhood and tends to worsen as children grow. Factors contributing to myopia include genetics, prolonged close-up activities (such as reading and screen time), and not enough time spent outdoors.
Myopia tends to get worse over time, especially as children grow, and high levels of myopia can lead to serious eye issues later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Fortunately, there are ways to manage myopia in children to prevent it from getting worse!
What is myopia management?
Myopia management refers to treatments and strategies designed to slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. The goal of myopia management is to reduce the risk of developing high myopia, which is associated with serious eye health complications later in life, and to improve a child’s quality of vision and overall well-being.
Myopia management at Prairie Vista Eye & Optical
At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, we offer a range of myopia management options tailored to your child’s needs. Our comprehensive approach includes:
Orthokeratology (ortho-k)
Ortho-k involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight that gently reshape the cornea. This temporary reshaping allows your child to experience clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-k has been shown to effectively slow the progression of myopia.
Lifestyle recommendations
Encouraging your child to spend more time outdoors and take regular breaks from close-up activities can help manage myopia. After examining your child’s eyes, our team will recommend lifestyle changes that can positively impact your child’s vision and eye health.
Benefits of myopia management for children
There are many benefits of tailored myopia management for children, including:
Prevent the progression of myopia
Myopia tends to worsen over time, especially during the rapid growth years of childhood. High levels of myopia can lead to serious eye health issues later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Early management can slow down the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of these complications.
Helps them in school
Clear vision is essential for academic success. Children with myopia may struggle to see the board and participate fully in classroom activities, which can affect not only their academic performance but also their confidence and self-esteem. Effective myopia management ensures your child can see clearly, boosting their confidence and performance in school.
Improve their quality of life
Myopia can limit a child’s ability to enjoy outdoor activities and sports. By managing myopia, we can ensure your child maintains a balanced lifestyle and enjoys clear, comfortable vision both indoors and outdoors.
Schedule an exam today
At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical, we provide personalized and comprehensive eye care for your child. Our experienced team uses the latest technology and evidence-based practices to create a myopia management plan tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Early intervention is key to managing myopia effectively. If you have noticed signs of myopia in your child, such as squinting, sitting too close to screens, or complaining of blurry vision, don’t wait. Schedule a pediatric eye exam at Prairie Vista Eye & Optical in Liberal, Kansas, today.