Myopia is becoming increasingly common among children worldwide. With more screen time, less outdoor activity, and genetic predisposition contributing to rising myopia rates, early intervention is crucial. Fortunately, significant advancements in myopia management are helping slow its progression, protecting children’s long-term vision. As a parent, understanding the latest treatment options can help you make informed decisions about your child’s eye health.
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often develops in childhood and tends to progress into the teenage years.
Common symptoms include difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, such as road signs or the classroom board, frequent squinting, eye strain, headaches, and excessive blinking. Children with myopia may also struggle with outdoor activities, complain of tired eyes, or sit closer to screens and books to see clearly.
The importance of managing myopia goes beyond simply correcting blurry distance vision. Progressive myopia increases the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. By taking proactive steps to slow myopia progression, parents can help protect their child’s long-term eye health.
Low-dose atropine eye drops have gained recognition as an effective method for slowing myopia progression. This treatment involves instilling a low concentration of atropine (typically 0.01% to 0.05%) into the eyes each night. Studies have shown that atropine eye drops can reduce the rate of myopia progression without significantly affecting a child's ability to focus up close. While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, atropine is believed to relax the eye's focusing muscles and slow the elongation of the eyeball, which is the primary cause of myopia progression.
Anti-myopia spectacle lenses are specially designed eyeglasses that help slow the progression of myopia while providing clear vision. Unlike traditional single-vision lenses that only correct nearsightedness, these lenses incorporate advanced optical technology to reduce eye strain and control the way light focuses on the retina. Some anti-myopia lenses use a defocus mechanism, where specific zones in the lens alter peripheral vision signals, encouraging the eyes to slow their elongation. Research has shown that these lenses can effectively slow myopia progression in children, making them a convenient and non-invasive option for myopia management. They are particularly beneficial for young children who may not be ready for contact lenses or other treatment methods.
Ortho-K is a non-surgical treatment that uses specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while the child sleeps, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. Beyond the convenience of clear vision without correction during the day, Ortho-K has been shown to significantly slow the progression of myopia by controlling how light enters the eye, reducing the stimulus for excessive eye growth.
At Oshawa Eye Care, we are committed to helping families navigate myopia management with the latest scientifically backed treatment options. We will assess their vision, discuss the best treatment options, and develop a customized plan to slow myopia progression effectively.
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Oshawa Eye Care to explore personalized treatment options and take proactive steps in slowing myopia progression. Visit Oshawa Eye Care at our office in Oshawa, Peterborough, or Bramptom, Ontario. Please call (905) 723-3937, (705) 760-9402 or (647) 348-9926 to book an appointment today.