Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, is becoming increasingly prevalent in children. It occurs when the eye grows too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. Myopia control is a proactive approach to managing and slowing the progression of this condition, which is crucial for protecting children’s vision in the long term. Here’s an overview of what myopia control is, why it’s essential for children, and the available treatments that can help.

What is Myopia Control?

Myopia control refers to a range of techniques and treatments aimed at slowing down the progression of myopia. The goal is to prevent the condition from worsening, which could lead to more severe vision problems later in life. Without intervention, myopia can continue to progress, potentially leading to complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or cataracts in adulthood. Myopia control strategies are designed to stabilise the eye’s growth and reduce the risks associated with high levels of myopia.

Why Myopia Control is Essential for Children

Myopia tends to progress more rapidly in children, especially during the school years when the demand for near-vision tasks like reading and using digital devices increases. If left unchecked, the myopia could continue to worsen as the child grows, increasing the risk of more severe vision issues in adulthood. Myopia control is essential because it helps slow down the progression during these formative years, preserving the child’s vision and preventing the need for stronger prescriptions over time. It also reduces the likelihood of developing serious eye conditions later in life.

Effective Myopia Control Treatments for Children

Several proven treatments are available to help control myopia in children. These include:

  • Specialised Contact Lenses: Multifocal contact lenses or MiSight contact lenses are designed to slow myopia progression by altering the way light enters the eye, helping to reduce the strain on the eye’s focusing system.
  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This non-surgical treatment involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight that reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors. Ortho-K lenses can temporarily reduce myopia, offering a day of clear vision without the need for glasses or regular contact lenses.
  • Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to slow the progression of myopia. These drops are typically applied once daily and are a non-invasive option for children who may not be ready for contact lenses.
  • Multifocal Glasses: These glasses have different lens powers to help children focus on near and far objects while reducing the strain on the eye. They can help control the elongation of the eye, which is a key factor in myopia progression.

How Myopia Control Benefits Children’s Long-Term Eye Health

By controlling the progression of myopia, children can avoid the risks associated with high myopia in adulthood. As the condition worsens, the likelihood of developing more serious conditions, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma, increases. Early intervention through myopia control helps preserve vision clarity, reduces the need for frequent changes in prescription, and lowers the chances of developing severe vision problems as the child grows older. It also ensures better quality of life as the child experiences fewer vision-related complications.

Consulting with an Optometrist for Myopia Control

If you’re concerned about your child’s vision, consulting an optometrist is the first step in managing myopia. Optometrists specialising in myopia control can assess your child’s risk and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on their specific needs and lifestyle. Early intervention is key, and an optometrist can guide you through the available options to help manage your child’s myopia and protect their long-term eye health.

Myopia control is a vital tool in managing short-sightedness in children. By using targeted treatments like special contact lenses, Ortho-K, and atropine drops, parents can help slow the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of future complications. At Farmilo Optometrists, we offer comprehensive myopia control strategies tailored to your child’s needs. Early intervention is key to preserving your child’s vision and ensuring their eyes remain healthy for years to come.