When people are nearsighted, distant objects may appear blurry. This condition, also known as myopia, can occur in people of all ages, including children. Although myopia can't be cured, it's possible to slow its progression and keep vision from getting worse. At Vision Source Fredericksburg Road in San Antonio, TX, we use a range of treatments for myopia control.
What Is Myopia Control?
While eyes are typically round, someone with myopia has eyes that are elongated or have an oval shape. In children, this occurs because the eyes develop at a fast pace. Without proper treatment, this condition can get worse.
Eye care can be used to slow the progression of myopia or even stop it entirely. This process is referred to as myopia management or myopia control. Starting myopia treatment early can prevent vision loss in children, improving their quality of life.
Why Myopia Control Is So Important
Controlling your child's myopia will lead to fewer changes in prescription and better vision in adulthood. Treatment can also prevent children from developing high myopia, a severe form of nearsightedness. This condition puts children at increased risk for developing eye conditions in adulthood, such as:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Retinal detachment
- Myopic macular degeneration
Treating Myopia with Eye Care
Ideally, myopia should be detected as early as possible. That's why it's best to schedule regular eye exams for your child. If they are diagnosed with myopia, several treatments may help their symptoms, including:
- Habit changes: Exposure to sunlight can help regulate eye growth, so your child's optometrist may recommend that they spend more time outdoors.
- Myopia control glasses: Glasses are commonly used to correct myopia symptoms like blurry vision, but there are also eyeglasses with special lenses that are made to keep myopia from worsening.
- Soft contacts: Some types of soft contact lenses can also be used to slow myopia progression. While contacts are typically worn by teens and adults, these lenses are safe for younger children.
- Orthokeratology: This treatment method requires children to wear special hard contact lenses at night. The lenses are able to reshape the eye while a child sleeps.
- Eye drops: It's common for eye doctors to use eye drops to dilate the eyes during an eye exam, and the same types of eye drops can also be used to control myopia. Typically, eye drops are given to a child before bed.
Make an Appointment with Our Optometrist in San Antonio, TX
With proper treatment, you can control your child's myopia and prevent further vision loss. At Vision Source Fredericksburg Road, we use a range of treatments to manage myopia in children. Don't hesitate to reach out to us to schedule an eye exam or start myopia treatment for your child. Call our team today at (210) 735-5440 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.
