Do distant objects appear blurry to your child? Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, significantly impacts our ability to see distant objects clearly. It is one of the most prevalent vision issues worldwide, and an increasing number of children and teenagers are affected by it.
Understanding the causes, progression, and available treatment options for childhood myopia is crucial, and at Maison Optique Vision Center, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive information and effective solutions.
Causes and Progression of Myopia
One of the primary causes of myopia is genetics. Studies have shown that if both parents have myopia, their children are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Apart from genetics, excessive reading or screen time, lack of outdoor activities, and poor lighting conditions can also contribute to the development and progression of nearsightedness in children.
Myopia is usually diagnosed during childhood and progressively worsens during the teenage years. If left untreated, it can result in serious eye problems such as retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, and glaucoma later in life.
Treatment Options for Myopia
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology (or Ortho-K) is a non-surgical treatment method that involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to gently reshape the cornea. These lenses gently compress the cornea, allowing light to focus accurately on the retina.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal lenses can correct myopia by providing multiple focus points. This means the wearer can see both near and far objects with ease. The lenses work by blending the prescriptions for distance and close-up vision, making it easier for your child to see at any distance.
Atropine Eye Drops
Atropine eye drops are used to dilate the pupils and reduce the progression of myopia. The drops are instilled once a day, and the effects last for a few weeks. Atropine eye drops are an excellent option for children as they prevent further progression of nearsightedness without affecting your child's daily activities.
Early detection is essential in managing myopia, as it allows for immediate intervention and prevents further progression of the condition. If your child has trouble seeing objects far away clearly, don't hesitate to call us at Maison Optique Vision Center in Lafayette at 337-210-7249 to schedule an appointment today!