Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error that makes it hard to focus clearly on objects at a distance. Myopia is a growing problem in children that can get significantly worse over time if left untreated. You may have several questions about myopia treatment if your child has been diagnosed with it. These frequently asked questions from Eyes & Optics in Las Vegas, NV, may provide the answers you need to make wise decisions concerning myopia treatment.
What Causes Myopia?
Myopia occurs when an elongated eye causes light to focus in front of the retina of your eye instead of directly on it, impairing your distance vision. This condition gives you blurry vision at a distance due to the light hitting your retina incorrectly. Myopia typically occurs in childhood and worsens with time as your child’s eye continues to grow as they age. Your child’s condition will eventually reach a plateau when they enter their adult years. An eye doctor near you in Las Vegas, NV, can diagnose this condition early during an eye exam.
What Are the Signs of Myopia?
You may notice these signs early on if your child has myopia:
• Constant squinting when trying to read or watch TV.
• Sitting very close to the TV or computer screen to see.
• Trouble seeing the blackboard when sitting in the back of the classroom.
• Holding books close to their face to see clearly.
• Lack of interest in sports or activities that require strong distance vision.
You should contact an optometrist near you if you notice any of these signs of myopia in your child.
Why Is Myopia a Growing Concern?
There has been a dramatic increase in myopia cases in children over the years. Research has shown that increased usage of digital screens close to your child’s face can increase myopia progression. Severe myopia can put your child at risk of developing other eye conditions as well, such as cataracts, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.
How Is Myopia Treated?
Myopia is typically treated with corrective lenses to improve your child’s sight. Your eye doctor near you will test your child’s vision and prescribe glasses or contacts to optimize their sight. There is no cure for myopia, but there are several ways to manage the condition through myopia control.
Myopia control refers to ways you can manage myopia to help slow its progression. Atropine eye drops and ortho-K contacts are two myopia control treatments that can help prevent myopia from worsening in children. Ortho-K contacts are worn at night to reshape the cornea of your child's eye so they can enjoy clearer vision during the day. These contacts are a great way of keeping myopia from progressing in your child’s formative years.
See Your Las Vegas, NV, Optometrist Near You for Myopia Treatment
Myopia is a growing problem in children that can lead to significant eye and vision issues in the future if left untreated, so contact Eyes & Optics in Las Vegas, NV, to get your child the treatment they need to keep their eyes and vision healthy. Call us and schedule an eye exam today at (702) 254-0332 to protect your child’s vision.