Myopia Management for Washington Families
Myopia is becoming increasingly common among children worldwide. Studies indicate that nearly 50% of the global population could be affected by 2050. Eyeworks Optical offers effective myopia management options to help protect your child’s vision and slow the progression of this eye condition.
Understanding What Myopia Is
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, occurs when the eye grows too long or when the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in distant objects appearing blurry, while nearby objects remain clear. Myopia often develops in childhood and tends to progress until the early adult years.
Myopia Causes and Risk Factors
- Genetics: Children with one or both parents who are nearsighted are more likely to develop myopia.
- Environmental factors: Spending excessive time on close-up activities, like reading or using digital devices.
- Lack of outdoor time: Not spending enough time outdoors has been linked to an increased risk of developing myopia.
- Combination of genetic and lifestyle factors: The interplay between genetic predisposition and lifestyle habits can influence the development of myopia.
What is Myopia Management?
Myopia management involves a series of treatments to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. Rather than simply correcting vision with glasses or contact lenses, myopia management aims to address the underlying factors that contribute to myopia progression.
By slowing the progression, we can help reduce the risk of developing high myopia, which is associated with an increased likelihood of developing severe eye problems later in life. This includes retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs Myopia Management?
- Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly: Your child may struggle to see things like the classroom board or distant signs.
- Frequent squinting: Squinting is a common sign that your child is having trouble focusing.
- Headaches or eye strain: Your child may complain of headaches or discomfort after focusing on distant or close-up objects.
- Family history of nearsightedness: Children with one or both parents who are nearsighted are at higher risk of developing myopia.
- Excessive time spent on close-up activities: Spending a lot of time reading, using screens, or other close-up tasks can increase the likelihood of myopia.
If your child has any indication of the above symptoms, schedule an eye exam at Eyeworks Optical. Regular eye exams are crucial for identifying myopia early.
Myopia Management at Eyeworks Optical
Our Washington eye doctor offers myopia management to help control the progression of nearsightedness:
- Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops are a proven method to slow the progression of myopia in children. These drops are used daily and have shown success in reducing the rate of myopic progression.
- MiSight® Contact Lenses: MiSight® contact lenses are designed for children with myopia. These lenses not only correct vision but also help slow progression by altering how light is focused on the retina.
Dr. Karen Rozycki, O.D. will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your child, ensuring their vision is protected as they grow.
- Phone: 724-225-4448
- Fax: 724-225-7237
- Email: support@eyeworks-optical.com
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
Washington, PA 15301
- Monday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed