Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that affects an increasing number of children. As a parent, it’s natural to be concerned about your child’s eye health, especially if you’ve noticed them squinting to see distant objects or complaining about blurry vision. Fortunately, with early intervention and proper care, you can manage myopia and help slow its progression, safeguarding your child’s vision for the future.
At Premier Eye Centre in Shrewsbury, PA, we specialize in providing personalized care to help manage your child’s myopia effectively. In this blog, we’ll share valuable tips and explore treatment options that can help control myopia progression.
1. Encourage Outdoor Time
Spending more time outdoors has been shown to have a protective effect against myopia progression. Research suggests that children who spend more time in natural light tend to have a slower rate of myopia development. Encourage your child to engage in outdoor activities like playing sports, walking, or simply enjoying time in the park. Limiting screen time, especially in the evening, can also reduce eye strain and help maintain better overall eye health.
2. Create a Balanced Study Environment
Children often spend long hours studying or using digital devices, which can contribute to myopia progression. To minimize the strain on your child’s eyes, make sure their study area is well-lit, and encourage them to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, they should take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and fatigue that can worsen myopia.
Additionally, ensure that your child maintains a proper posture while reading or using digital devices. Sitting too close to books or screens can strain their eyes, leading to increased myopia over time.
3. Consider Specialized Lenses for Myopia Control
One of the most effective ways to manage myopia is through the use of specialized lenses designed to slow its progression. MiSight® contact lenses and orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are two popular options that have been shown to significantly reduce the rate of myopia progression in children.
- MiSight® Contact Lenses: These are FDA-approved daily disposable contact lenses designed for children with myopia. They work by focusing light in a way that helps slow the elongation of the eye, which is a key factor in myopia progression. MiSight® lenses are comfortable to wear and can be a great solution for active children who may not want to wear glasses.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K involves the use of specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, allowing them to have clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K is an effective option for children with mild to moderate myopia and can also help slow the progression of the condition.
4. Prescription Glasses for Myopia Management
In addition to contact lenses, myopia control glasses are another excellent option for managing your child’s condition. These glasses use specialized lenses, such as DIMS (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) or MyoSmart lenses, which have been clinically proven to reduce the progression of myopia.
These lenses create a unique defocus effect that helps prevent the eye from elongating further, which is the primary cause of myopia progression. Myopia control glasses are particularly beneficial for younger children who may not be ready for contact lenses or Ortho-K treatment.
5. Regular Eye Exams
The most important step in managing your child’s myopia is scheduling regular eye exams. Myopia can progress quickly, especially during childhood and adolescence. Regular check-ups allow your optometrist to monitor changes in your child’s vision and make adjustments to their treatment plan as needed.
At Premier Eye Centre, we recommend that children with myopia have an eye exam at least once a year, or more frequently if their myopia is progressing rapidly. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in managing the condition effectively.
Why Choose Us to Assist with Your Child’s Myopia?
At Premier Eye Centre in Shrewsbury, PA, we understand the importance of preserving your child’s vision. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing tailored myopia management solutions, including specialized lenses, contact lenses, and expert guidance on lifestyle changes that can help slow myopia progression. We use the latest technology and evidence-based treatments to ensure your child receives the best care possible.
With our friendly and personalized approach, you can feel confident that your child’s vision is in good hands.
Schedule an Eye Exam with Us
Don’t wait to take action—managing your child’s myopia early can make a world of difference in their vision. Schedule an eye exam with Premier Eye Centre today, and let our experienced optometrists help guide you through the best treatment options for your child’s needs.
