Myopia Management: Protecting Your Child's Vision
By Dr. Adeline Goh, Buckhead Eyecare
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is increasingly common among children worldwide. My passion for optometry began with my own experience as a nearsighted child. Getting my first pair of glasses was life-changing—boosting my confidence and academic performance. However, I dreaded annual eye exams when my optometrist would proclaim that my prescription had worsened. And by the time I was in high school, my glasses were thick "coke bottles".
Thankfully, today we have treatments to help control myopia progression, options that weren’t available when I was growing up. Not only that, but as a parent now, I’m even more committed to protecting children’s eye health. I’m grateful to offer young patients solutions that can spare them the struggles I faced. In this post, we’ll explore what myopia is, why early intervention matters, and the options available to help your child thrive with clearer vision.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. Scientifically, this occurs due to the elongation of the eyeball or an excessive curvature of the cornea, which causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This improper focusing leads to blurred vision for distant objects. Studies have shown a significant rise in myopia among children globally, attributed to factors such as prolonged near-work activities and reduced time spent outdoors.⁰¹ The ongoing battle with increased screen time and ipads certainly doesn't help matters either. Some children are more predisposed towards becoming myopic especially if both parents are nearsighted, however a child's refractive error (or prescription) can be greatly influenced by their environment and day to day visual activities.
Why Is Early Myopia Management Important?
If left untreated, myopia can progress rapidly during childhood, leading to higher levels of nearsightedness in adulthood. High myopia not only impacts vision but also increases the risk of serious eye conditions such as:
Retinal detachment
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Myopic macular degeneration
High myopia has been shown to significantly elevate the risk of these complications. Early intervention, including myopia management strategies, has been proven effective in slowing its progression and reducing associated risks.⁰²
Signs Your Child May Have Myopia
Identifying myopia early is key to effective management. Watch for these common signs:
Squinting to see distant objects
Complaints of blurry vision at school or while watching TV
Holding books or devices very close to the eyes
Frequent headaches or eye strain
Difficulty concentrating in class
If you notice any of these symptoms, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam is crucial.
Myopia Management Options
Advancements in eye care have made it possible to slow the progression of myopia in children. Here are some effective management strategies:
1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K involves specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, allowing your child to enjoy clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts. Ortho-K has also been shown to effectively slow the progression of myopia.⁰³
2. Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to effectively reduce the progression of myopia in children. These drops are typically used once a day and are well-tolerated by most kids. Higher efficacy has been observed with atropine concentrations of 0.05% compared to lower doses.⁰⁴
3. Multifocal Contact Lenses
Soft multifocal contact lenses are another excellent option for managing myopia. These lenses provide clear vision while simultaneously slowing the eye’s elongation that leads to myopia progression.
4. Specialized Eyeglasses
Innovative eyeglasses, such as those with Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) technology, have been developed to slow myopia progression. A six-year study demonstrated the sustained efficacy of DIMS lenses without adverse effects.
5. Lifestyle Changes
Encourage your child to adopt healthy habits to support their eye health:
Spend more time outdoors (aim for at least two hours a day).
Take regular breaks from screens and near-work activities.
Maintain proper lighting while reading or doing homework.
Time spent outdoors has been associated with a reduced risk of developing myopia. Experts recommend at least two hours of outdoor activity daily for children.⁰⁶
The Role of Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are critical for monitoring your child’s vision and ensuring myopia management strategies are effective. Early detection allows for timely intervention, helping to slow myopia progression and protect your child’s vision for the future.
Partnering with BUCKHEAD EYECARE
At Buckhead Eyecare, we proudly offer options for myopia management and are committed to providing personalized care for your child. Our team can help families work together to create tailored treatment plans that address your child’s unique needs.
Take the First Step Today
Protecting your child’s vision starts with a comprehensive eye exam. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help manage your child’s myopia. Together, we can ensure your child enjoys a lifetime of clear and healthy vision.
References
American Academy of Ophthalmology (2023). Myopia Control in Children. Retrieved from AAO website.
The College of Optometrists (2023). Childhood-Onset Myopia Management Evidence Review. Retrieved from The College of Optometrists website.
Cho, P., Cheung, S. W. (2022). Orthokeratology for Myopia Control. PubMed Central.
Chia, A., Lu, Q. (2023). Efficacy of Atropine for Myopia Progression. PubMed Central.
Lam, C. S. Y., Tang, W. C. (2023). Long-Term Efficacy of DIMS Lenses. Nature.
Rose, K., Morgan, I. (2023). Outdoor Activity and Myopia Prevention in Children. American Academy of Ophthalmology.
