Myopia Control in Kids

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition that causes blurry vision when looking at distant objects. It occurs when an irregularly shaped cornea or lens causes light entering the eye to be out of focus when it lands on the retina. Symptoms of myopia often appear in childhood, making it crucial for children to receive regular eye exams, especially if other family members have vision problems. If you’re looking for an optometrist near you in the Bakersfield, CA area, consider Innovative Eye Care. Our team is here to help identify and treat your family’s vision challenges.

Who Gets Myopia?

Myopia tends to run in families, and the number of children affected is on the rise. The family connection indicates that genetic factors play a role in myopia. However, its increased prevalence also suggests that environmental factors, such as excessive digital device use, may be contributing. Symptoms of myopia in school-age children include squinting, headaches, and difficulty seeing objects in the classroom. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam to assess and treat nearsightedness if necessary.

Myopia Control

Recent advancements in optometry provide many options for myopia treatment. Children and teens have access to various methods, including behavioral interventions, eyeglasses, contact lenses, atropine eye drops, and Ortho-K lenses:

•             Behavioral interventions like increased outdoor play and limited screen time can help some children whose eyes are strained from excessive near-vision activities.

•             Eyeglasses are a common treatment for myopia and are suitable for most children. However, they can be challenging for children concerned about their appearance or those involved in sports and other activities.

•             Contact lenses are another effective option. While some children may struggle to use them safely, others can wear contacts effectively. The child’s maturity and ability to care for their lenses are more important than their age when determining if contact lenses are a good option.

•             Optometrists sometimes use atropine eye drops to dilate the eyes during tests. A diluted version of these drops has been shown to help slow the progression of myopia in many children.

•             Finally, orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-surgical approach involving special contact lenses that reshape the cornea while the child sleeps. Children need to be mature enough to use these lenses safely.

If your child has myopia, speak with your eye doctor about the best treatment methods for them.

Myopia Management at Innovative Eye Care

If you live in or near Bakersfield, CA, and are looking for an optometrist near you, consider Innovative Eye Care. Call (661) 213-3310 today or use our online request form to schedule an appointment.