If you have a child with myopia, rest assured that there are things that an eye doctor can do to help slow its progression. Your child does not have to have a declined vision. Talk to us at The Vision Center in Fort Worth, Lubbock, and soon Dallas about how our optometrists can help your child.
What Is Pediatric Myopia?
Myopia is another name for nearsightedness, which happens when kids can see better up close but need glasses for distance vision. This condition affects one-third of the American population. Unfortunately, those with this condition have higher rates of developing other eye disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. Myopia control is important to preserving vision and preventing these related issues.
Types of Myopia Control in Pediatric Optometry
While scientists have studied multiple myopia control options, only a few have shown effectiveness at slowing the progression of this condition in children. Four techniques are among the most frequently used. These include the following:
- Orthokeratology: This method, also known as ortho-k, only requires the child to wear specialty contact lenses at night to reshape the eye. In the morning, the child takes out the lenses and can go the rest of the day without glasses or contacts. To get these benefits, the child needs to use the ortho-k lenses each night.
- Corrective Eyeglasses: Some corrective lenses such as bifocal eyeglasses may help to slow the rate of myopia progression.
- Atropine Drops: Eye drops containing atropine may be used alone or in conjunction with another therapy for myopia control. The use of these drops continues as long as the nearsightedness worsens.
- Specialty Contact Lenses: For children capable of wearing contact lenses during the day, soft lenses with a distance center and multifocal capabilities surrounding the middle may help to trick the eye into overcoming myopia.
Testing for Myopia
Because myopia is a pediatric optometry condition that eye doctors cannot reverse, finding it as soon as possible is important. You should schedule regular eye exams for your child to monitor the current state of their vision. With a baseline of your child's normal vision, our optometrists can readily identify any changes that could indicate developing myopia. The sooner we identify this condition, the earlier we can start your child on treatment to slow it down.
If You Need a Pediatric Optometry Expert, Look No Further Than Us
Finding optometrists who know about the developing eyes of children is not always easy. However, at The Vision Center, we have eye doctors who frequently work with children in myopia control and other conditions. If you are in Dallas, Fort Worth, or Lubbock, come see us at The Vision Center. Call your nearest office location today to make an appointment. Your child's vision is important, let us help you do everything possible to protect it.