Key Takeaways
- Myopia makes faraway objects look blurry and often starts in childhood.
- Watch for squinting, sitting close to screens, and frequent eye rubbing.
- Kids and teens have options like myopia control glasses and contacts, as well as ortho-k lenses.
- Low-dose atropine drops and red light therapy can help slow progression.
- Outdoor time, screen breaks, and regular exams support healthier eyes.
Myopia Can Be Managed & Corrected
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, makes objects far away look blurry, and it can affect both children and adults. Myopia treatments range from specialty glasses and soft contacts to overnight lenses and nightly eye drops. For adults, surgery may be an option.
The right choice for treating myopia depends on your needs and lifestyle. Our team at The Village Eye Care is here to help you find the right path forward for you and your family.
What Myopia Is & Why It Matters
Myopia is a refractive error that happens when the eye grows too long. An elongated eye causes light to focus in front of the retina (a tissue at the back of the eye that sends light signals to the brain) rather than directly onto it, causing distant vision to become blurry.
Myopia often shows up during childhood and tends to progress as kids grow. It affects close to 30% of people across the country, so it’s a common concern for families.
Signs Your Child May Have Myopia
Kids don’t always say their vision looks blurry. Instead, they often just adjust. This means that you might notice small changes in their habits before they mention any problems.
Keep an eye out for these signs.
- Squinting to see the TV, a whiteboard, or objects across the room.
- Sitting close to screens or moving to the front of the classroom.
- Rubbing the eyes often or complaining about headaches.
If any of these sound familiar, a comprehensive eye exam can point you towards the next step.
Myopia Control Options for Children & Teens
Myopia Control Glasses
In addition to correcting vision, myopia control glasses also slow the rate at which myopia progresses. These glasses use tiny lens segments to change how light is focused on the edges of the eye, which in turn signals the eye to slow its front-to-back growth.
Your child wears these lenses full-time, just like regular glasses, so there’s nothing new to learn. This option works especially well for younger kids who aren’t ready for contacts.
Myopia Control Contact Lenses
Soft contacts made for myopia control sharpen vision while helping slow the change over time, and they work in largely the same way as myopia control glasses. These contacts should also be worn daily.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-k lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight, thereby correcting a person’s vision. This allows the wearer to go through their day without daytime contact lenses or glasses. Ortho-k lenses are also used for myopia control.
Other Myopia Treatment Approaches
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine eye drops are used alongside other treatments to help slow myopia in children. One drop is applied to each eye at bedtime. Some kids notice mild, short-lived effects like slight light sensitivity, but these effects are brief.
Surgery Options for Adults
Adults have paths that kids don’t. LASIK and similar procedures reshape the cornea to sharpen vision, while lens-based procedures can help people with stronger prescriptions.
How to Pick the Right Option & Daily Habits That Help
Choose Based on Lifestyle & Age
The right management choice depends on your child’s age, hobbies, and daily routine. A young reader and a teen athlete often do well with different tools. Consistent wear is what supports steady progress, so pick something your child will actually use.
Ready to find a myopia plan that fits your family? Our team at The Village Eye Care in Surprise, AZ can help you explore your options. Request an eye exam today and let us help you protect your child’s vision.
