Myopia and your child

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a growing concern among children and young adults. If your child has myopia, they can see things up close clearly, but objects far away look blurry. Myopia usually starts in childhood and can worsen as a child grows. Today, more children than ever are being diagnosed with this condition. Many children’s vision quickly gets worse. At Small Wonder Eyecare, we believe that understanding myopia and how to control its progression is key to protecting your child’s vision.

What Causes Myopia Progression?

Several factors contribute to the development and progression of myopia:

• Increased Screen Time: Many children spend hours a day looking at phones, tablets, and computers. When kids focus too much on things up close, their eyes can grow too long from front to back. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, leading to blurry distance vision.

• Not Enough Time Outdoors: Studies show that children who spend more time outdoors in natural light are less likely to develop myopia. Outdoor time gives the eyes a chance to relax and look at things farther away.

• Genetics: If one or both parents are nearsighted, their children are more likely to be nearsighted too. Genetics play a big role in how the eyes grow.

Why Is Myopia Control Important?

Slowing down the progression of myopia prevents the need for thicker glasses. But there’s more at stake than cosmetics. As the eye becomes more nearsighted, it also becomes longer.
This stretching increases the risk of serious eye health problems later in life, including:

• Retinal Detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Myopic Maculopathy
   

In addition, people with high myopia may not be good candidates for vision correction surgeries like LASIK. Their eyes may be too thin or too fragile.

Options for Myopia Control

Thankfully, we have safe and effective ways to slow down the progression of myopia.

1. MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses

These soft daily disposable lenses are FDA-approved for myopia control in children as young as 8 years old. MiSight lenses not only correct vision, but also use a special design that helps slow down the eye’s abnormal growth over time.

2. Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

These are prescription drops used once a day at bedtime. Atropine is a medicine that helps slow down the lengthening of the eye. It does not affect a child’s ability to see clearly and has been shown to be safe and effective for long-term use.

3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the surface of the eye. During the day, vision is clear without the need for glasses or contacts. Ortho-K has been shown to slow myopia progression and is a good option for active kids or those involved in sports.

Helping Your Child See a Brighter Future

At Small Wonder Eyecare, we believe in treating the whole patient—not just their prescription. Myopia control is one of the best ways we can protect your child’s future and help them live a life full of clear vision.

If your child has myopia, don’t wait. Schedule an eye exam and talk with us about a myopia management plan. Early action can make a big difference.

We are proud to provide accessible, personalized care for families in Elgin and Bastrop County. For more information about myopia control options, call us or request an appointment online.