What is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?
Frequently known as nearsightedness, myopia is a vision condition that makes it difficult to view objects from a distance. Although myopia is common, it can increase the risk of developing severe eye disease. Even though there's no cure for myopia, it can be managed, especially in children. With locations in Stratford and Bridgeport, Family Vision Center offers several options for myopia control.
Why It's Important to Manage Nearsightedness in Children
Corrective lenses make it possible for children with myopia to see clearly, but these treatments don't address the causes of nearsightedness or prevent it from worsening. Myopia control uses an array of treatments to slow the rate at which myopia it progresses, reducing the risk of vision problems later in life.
The eyes develop at a fast rate during childhood, and if a child's eyes are developing abnormally, conditions like myopia can progress very quickly. Treatments can encourage healthy eye development and, slowing or even preventing myopia progression. While these treatments won't cure your child's myopia, children who receive early treatment experience less vision loss overall.
What Is Myopia Control?
Myopia occurs because the eye is irregularly shaped. When a child has myopia, their eyes are often longer than normal. Myopia control includes an array of treatments designed to change the eye's structure, limiting myopia's development. While nearsightedness in children can still occur when the child is under treatment, myopia will usually progress at a much slower rate.
Various therapies and treatments can be used to manage myopia. An optometrist can work with you and your child to find the right treatment for their condition and needs. There are a variety of treatments available, including multifocal contact lenses, special orthokeratology lenses worn while sleeping, and eye drops. Your eye doctor may also suggest making lifestyle changes that will encourage healthy vision development.
When Should You Start Myopia Treatment?
It's common for myopia to progress at a fast pace throughout childhood and teenage years. That's why it's best to start treatment for myopia as soon as possible. Regular eye exams make it possible to detect myopia in its earliest stages, allowing your child to start treatment right away.
If your child has been diagnosed with nearsightedness or if they're showing symptoms of myopia, such as blurry vision, eye strain, and squinting to see objects at distance, make an appointment with an optometrist. Starting a myopia control program right away can minimize vision loss, leading to a better outcome vision for your child.
Control Myopia with Our Eye Doctors
Myopia interferes with vision and greatly increases the risk of conditions like cataracts and glaucoma later in life, which is why myopia control is so important. Contact Family Vision Center to learn more. Call our Bridgeport office today at (203) 333-2020 or our Stratford office at (203) 377-2020. You can also reach us through our website by using our online contact form.