Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is becoming more prevalent worldwide, especially among children. This condition makes distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. Early detection and proper management are essential to maintain healthy vision and slow progression.
The truth is, myopia cannot be reversed once it changes the shape of the eye, but it can be managed to preserve and protect vision for the future. The earlier we act, the more of your child’s vision we can save. So let’s be proactive and learn all that we can about myopia’s effects!
What Is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, happens when the shape of the eye changes. Normally, the eye works a bit like a camera. Light enters through the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) and passes through the lens, which focuses the light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The retina then sends signals to the brain, allowing us to see a clear image.
In a healthy eye, this process works perfectly for both near and distant objects. However, with myopia, the eye grows too long from front to back or the cornea becomes too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry.
Myopia often begins in childhood and can worsen during the teenage years as the eyes continue to grow. It can be difficult to recognize myopia in children, but some common symptoms include:
- Squinting to see faraway objects.
- Difficulty reading whiteboards or signage.
- Complaints of headaches or eye strain.
- Rubbing the eyes or sitting too close to screens.
For children, myopia can lead to challenges in school. Blurred vision may cause difficulty reading the board, completing distant tasks, or staying engaged in lessons. If these signs go unnoticed, children may fall behind academically simply because they aren’t able to see properly.
Once myopia changes the shape of the eye, it cannot be undone—but with the right care, we can accommodate those changes. Providing clear vision through corrective lenses is crucial, but managing myopia progression is even more important to protect their eye health in the long term.
What Causes Myopia?
While genetics play an undeniable role (children are more likely to develop myopia if one or both parents have it), environmental and lifestyle factors also come into play.
For example, spending long hours on close-up tasks like reading, using digital devices, or even prolonged homework sessions can strain the eyes. Younger eyes are particularly vulnerable during their developmental years. Without regular breaks from close-up work, the eyes may struggle to focus properly, contributing to the onset of myopia.
Additionally, not enough outdoor time also plays a role, as natural light is critical for healthy eye development. Encouraging kids to balance screen time with outdoor play can help maintain eye health during their formative years.
The Benefits of Myopia Management
Corrective lenses, like glasses or contact lenses, are the most common solution for addressing blurry vision caused by myopia. While they help your child see clearly, they don’t tackle the underlying issue—preventing myopia progression. Myopia management goes one step further to address this need, offering treatments designed to slow the long-term effects on the eyes.
Here are 2 notable options for myopia management that go beyond providing clear sight:
- MiSight lenses: These soft contact lenses are worn just like any other pair of contacts, only they’re designed specifically for children with myopia. MiSight lenses work by using specially designed treatment zones to manage how light is focused in the eye. This helps cue the eye to stop growing while, at the same time, providing clear vision for daily activities.
- Corneal reshaping therapy (CRT) lenses: CRT lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. This temporary reshaping provides clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contacts. Additionally, they have demonstrated effectiveness in controlling myopia progression.
Investing in myopia management early on can have life-changing benefits for children, reducing the risk of future complications such as retinal detachment, cataracts, or glaucoma later in life. With the right approach, managing myopia is more than a treatment; it’s an opportunity to protect lifelong vision.
Protect Their Future Today
It’s unfortunately true that myopia can’t be reversed. But that’s not the end of the story. Taking action early can make all the difference in managing myopia and preserving your child’s eye health. At Windsor Eye Care, we prioritize a patient-first approach, offering your family personalized care you can trust.
We understand the importance of clear, healthy vision for your child’s well-being and daily success. With our knowledge and tools—plus a deep commitment to care—we’ll guide you through myopia management options that suit your child’s unique needs.Empower your child with a lifetime of clearer, healthier vision. Schedule an appointment today and discover how our innovative myopia management solutions can help protect what matters most.
