Signs Your Child Has Myopia and How to Manage It

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that makes it difficult to see objects at a distance. This condition is becoming increasingly prevalent in children, especially in today’s screen-heavy, indoor-focused environment. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent it from worsening and to support a child’s visual development and comfort. Here’s what every parent should know about recognizing myopia in children and the available options to manage it.
 

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error that occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry vision when looking at distant objects. For children, undiagnosed myopia can make it challenging to see the whiteboard in school, participate in sports, and even recognize faces from a distance, affecting both learning and social interactions.
 

Recognizing the Signs of Myopia in Children

Detecting myopia early can make a significant difference in managing its progression. Some common signs include:
 

•           Squinting: If your child frequently squints when trying to focus on distant objects, this may indicate myopia.

•           Sitting Close to Screens or Books: Many myopic children hold books very close or prefer to sit close to the television.

•           Complaints of Headaches or Eye Strain: Nearsighted children may experience headaches or eye fatigue, especially after trying to focus on distant objects for extended periods.

•           Poor Performance in School: Children who can’t see the board or follow presentations from a distance may struggle academically.

•           Frequent Eye Rubbing or Blinking: This can indicate visual discomfort that often accompanies myopia.
 

If your child exhibits one or more of these signs, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist. Early detection can not only improve your child’s vision but also pave the way for effective myopia management.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management

Untreated myopia tends to progress as children grow. Higher levels of myopia increase the risk of severe eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. Myopia management aims to slow down this progression and protect your child’s long-term eye health.
 

How to Manage Myopia: Treatment Options

Fortunately, advancements in eye care provide several myopia management options tailored to slow its progression in children. Low-dose atropine eye drops are applied to the eyes daily and have been shown to slow myopia progression in children. These drops work by temporarily relaxing the focusing muscles within the eye, reducing strain and the tendency for the eye to elongate.
 

Ortho-K, or orthokeratology, involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, allowing the child to see clearly during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. This not only provides clear vision but also helps to slow the progression of myopia.
 

Multifocal soft contact lenses, originally designed for adults with presbyopia, are effective for managing myopia in children. These lenses have multiple focusing zones that reduce eye strain and slow the progression of myopia by decreasing the eye’s tendency to elongate.
 

Partner with Neighborhood Eye Doctors for the Best Myopia Management Plan

Recognizing and addressing myopia in your child early on can make a profound difference in their vision health and quality of life. With effective myopia management options like atropine eye drops, Ortho-K lenses, and multifocal contacts, you can help protect your child’s eyesight and reduce the risk of serious eye issues in the future.
 

If you’ve noticed any signs of myopia in your child or want to learn more about managing their vision health, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Neighborhood Eye Doctors. Visit our office in Spring, Texas, or call (254) 256-2200 to book an appointment today.