Myopia Management
Do you notice your child squinting often in order to see clearly? Do they complain that they can’t see the whiteboard in school? Is their lens prescription worsening each year?
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a common refractive error that affects people of all ages. Let's dig a little deeper and find out more about how it could impact your child’s future visual health.
Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. It occurs when the shape of the eye causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This can be due to either the eyeball being too long or the cornea being too curved.
Symptoms of Myopia can Include:
- Blurred vision when looking at distant objects
- Squinting or straining to see faraway things
- Headaches or eye strain after extended periods of focusing on distant objects
- Difficulty seeing clearly while driving or playing sports
Causes of Myopia
The exact cause of myopia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. If one or both parents have myopia, there is a higher likelihood of their children developing it. Additionally, certain environmental factors, such as spending excessive time on close-up activities like reading or using electronic devices, can contribute to the development and progression of myopia.
Treatment Options for Myopia
While myopia cannot be cured, several effective treatment options are available to manage and control its progression. At Tempe Eyecare Associates, we offer personalized solutions tailored to each patient's needs.
These may include:
Prescription Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: Corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, can help individuals with myopia see clearly by compensating for the refractive error.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This non-surgical treatment involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. This allows for clear vision during the day without needing glasses or contacts. Ortho-K lenses are ideal for slowing or halting myopia progression in young patients.
Multifocal Contact Lenses: These specialized contact lenses have different lens powers in different zones, allowing for clear vision at various distances. They can help slow down the progression of myopia in children.
Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops can be used to dilate the pupil and reduce myopia progression in kids and teens.
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms associated with myopia, our dedicated Tempe Eyecare Associates team is here to help. Contact us at 480-967-4910 to schedule an appointment and learn more about our effective myopia control and management services.