Myopia or nearsightedness is a vision disorder characterized by poor distance-range sight. It occurs due to the elongation of the eyeball and is usually corrected using eyeglasses or contact lenses. The condition affects people of all ages and is particularly prevalent among young children. 

As it affects young children, specialists are developing ways to control myopia. Slowing down or halting the progression of the condition improves overall eye health. Here are reasons why myopia management is essential for children. 

Protecting Eye Health

Myopia management is essential for protecting eye health. If the growth of the eye is accelerated, myopia continues to worsen. The excessive growth stretches the light-sensitive retina. The layer of lining at the back of the eye is vital for good vision. The stretching increases the risk of vision impairment and eye diseases in the child's lifetime.

Myopia and Eye Diseases

Myopia is a vision condition that can increase the risk of developing eye diseases later in life. In later years, children with myopia can end up suffering from vision-threatening diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Keeping levels of myopia low through effective management can help reduce the risk of developing eye diseases. 

Understanding Myopia Management
 

It is necessary to know that if left untreated, myopia will continue to worsen through the years before stabilizing in adulthood. It means your child may require stronger eyeglasses as he grows. Myopia control or management offers a preventive solution for the condition, and they suit each child individually. 

The first step involves scheduling an eye exam to evaluate the disease progression. The severity of the condition and the child's age will determine the best management option. 

Types of Myopia Management
  

There are several myopia control treatments. They include:
 

• Eyeglasses. Children often need eyeglasses to improve their focusing skills. Bifocal and multifocal eyeglasses have different lens strengths, enabling clear vision at all distances.

• Contact lenses. The lenses help provide clear vision with a wide range of vision. They help reduce stress on the eyes, which can slow myopia progression.    

• Atropine eye drops. Medicated eye drops that help dilate the pupils can help reduce myopia progression. A low dose is ideal for the child and is administered every day.

• Orthokeratology. Ortho-k involves the use of specialized contact lenses that are worn during sleep. The lenses reshape the cornea, slowing down myopia progression. 
   

Vision Therapy and Myopia Management
 

Children who have been diagnosed with myopia can benefit from vision therapy. The therapy can help reduce myopia progression for children who develop the condition due to poor eye-focusing skills.

The treatment involves personalized programs that train the patient's visual system and eye-brain relationship. Increasing efficiency helps improve focusing abilities and reduces the risk of progressive myopia. 

It is advisable to start myopia management as soon as possible after the child's diagnosis. It helps provide optimal results. The younger the child is when myopia onsets, the faster the condition progresses. The vision tends to worsen every several months. 

For more on why myopia management is essential for children, visit Eye Focus Northwest at our Salem or Tigard, Oregon offices. Call (971) 808-2640 or (971) 202-1932 to schedule an appointment today.