The number of children developing short-sightedness (myopia) is on the rise. But don’t worry, there’s a lot you can do to manage it. Thanks to advancements in eye care, there are excellent methods available to help slow down its progression while also protecting your child’s eyesight well into the future.
This article will give you the lowdown on what myopia is, why early treatment is a game-changer, and the modern solutions out there that could make a big difference to your child’s vision.
What is Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This means distant objects appear blurry while close items remain clear.
It’s not always easy to spot, but there are a few signs to look out for. Does your child squint to see things far away? Do they sit really close to the TV or hold books right up to their face? If they’ve been complaining about headaches after reading or using devices, that could also be a sign.
Why does it happen? Genetics play a significant role – children with one myopic parent are twice as likely to develop it, while those with two myopic parents have five times the risk. On top of that, lifestyle plays a role too. Lots of screen time, reading up close for long stretches, and not spending enough time outdoors are all linked to myopia.
Early Treatment Makes a Difference
Myopia is easier to manage when you catch it early. Without treatment, it tends to get worse during childhood and can lead to high myopia as your child grows up. High myopia can increase the chance of more serious eye problems later in life, like retinal detachment, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
Before you start to feel overwhelmed, there’s good news. We’ve got some amazing myopia management options that don’t just improve your child’s vision but also help slow down how quickly their myopia progresses.
Managing Your Child’s Myopia
At Ben Mirkin Opticians, we provide some fantastic products designed specifically to manage your child’s short-sightedness.
- MiYOSMART glasses:
These are no ordinary glasses! MiYOSMART lenses use clever D.I.M.S. (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments) technology. What does that mean in plain English? The lenses create lots of focus points, helping to slow down the eye’s growth while making sure your child can see clearly too. - MiSight 1-day contact lenses:
For active children or those who don’t want to wear glasses, MiSight 1-day contact lenses are a great alternative. Using invisible correction zones and treatment zones, these soft contact lenses provide clear vision and slow the progression of myopia by 50%.
Both of these options are super safe, effective, and slot easily into everyday life.
Book Your Child’s Appointment
Regular eye tests are a must for kids under 16. Annual checks allow optometrists to track vision changes, monitor eye health and adjust their treatment plan if needed. This proactive approach enables early myopia detection and prompt implementation of myopia lenses.
If you’ve noticed your child struggling with distance vision or displaying any symptoms mentioned above, don’t wait – book an eye examination today. Taking action now could make all the difference to the future of your child’s eye health.
