Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, often develops in children and teens. It’s one of the most common vision problems. In fact, approximately 30% of children and teens in the U.S. are affected by the condition.
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The degree of myopia varies for every child, and there are different treatments used to keep it within the mild range. In this article, experts at the Institute for Control of Eye Myopia in Children discuss the importance of myopia control as well as the different methods used to treat this sight problem.
Importance of Myopia Control
Treating myopia is crucial among children since they are still in their developmental years, which is a phase when the eyes are going through changes. If neglected, myopia can lead to high prescriptions and higher susceptibility to sight-threatening diseases in the long run.
Myopia Control Methods
The best way to monitor changes in your child’s eyesight is by having them checked often by an optometrist. If your child is diagnosed with myopia, these are some of the methods that doctors will likely use to treat the problem:
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Ortho-K
Orthokeratology, or Corneal Refractive Therapy, uses specialized overnight contact lenses, which reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. These lenses can slow down the rate of myopia and enable your child to see clearly during the day without having to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses.
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Atropine Drops
Typically used on children with high prescriptions, atropine drops are diluted drops that also slow down the progression of myopia. These are often used in combination with ortho-k.
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Multifocal Contact Lenses or Eyeglasses
Much like the other treatments, these multifocal lenses and glasses function to slow myopia. They are similar to ortho-k, but they are used during the day.
It’s important to be proactive and bring your child to an eye doctor regularly. Sometimes kids don’t complain or notice signs of eye problems, and it takes a professional to detect certain symptoms.
Furthermore, to know which treatment best suits your child, contact a myopia control specialist in your area today.