Myopia Management: How to Slow Down Your Child’s Nearsightedness Progression

More and more children in Hardin Valley are being diagnosed with myopia at an early age. Myopia is a condition that can continue to progress as your child grows and can potentially lead to more serious eye health concerns in the future. The good news is that with today’s advanced myopia management options, you can help slow the progression of nearsightedness and protect your child’s vision for years to come.
 

Understanding Myopia and the Importance of Slowing Its Progression

Myopia is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. It typically develops in childhood and tends to worsen as a child grows. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Managing myopia is about much more than correcting blurry vision. Higher levels of myopia are linked to an increased risk of sight-threatening conditions, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy. By slowing the progression of myopia early, you can help preserve your child’s eye health and reduce their risk of future complications.
 

The First Step Is a Pediatric Eye Exam

The journey to healthy vision starts with a comprehensive pediatric eye exam. Regular eye exams are essential for detecting myopia in its earliest stages, often before your child notices any vision problems. Early detection allows your doctor to discuss myopia management strategies that can make a lasting difference.
 

Myopia Management Treatment Options

At EyeXcel, we offer a range of scientifically proven myopia management treatments tailored to each child’s needs:

•         Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops are a safe and effective way to slow myopia progression. Used once daily, these drops can be an excellent option for children who are not ready for contact lenses or who need additional support alongside other treatments.

•         Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: Specially designed multifocal soft contact lenses help reduce the progression of myopia by focusing light in a way that signals the eye to slow down its growth. These lenses are comfortable, easy to use, and safe for children who are ready for contact lens wear.

•         MiSight® Contact Lenses: MiSight® 1 day contact lenses are the first FDA-approved soft contact lenses specifically for myopia control in children. Clinical studies show that MiSight® lenses can significantly slow myopia progression when worn daily, making them a leading choice for many families.

•         Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) or Corneal Refractive Therapy: Ortho-K uses specially designed rigid contact lenses that are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. This temporary reshaping allows your child to see clearly throughout the day without the need for glasses or contacts. Ortho-k has also been shown to slow down myopia progression in children.

•         Combination Therapy: Sometimes, the best approach to myopia management involves a combination of these treatments. Our optometrist will recommend a personalized plan based on their specific needs and lifestyle.
 

Supporting Families Across Hardin Valley and Beyond

At EyeXcel, we are committed to supporting families in Hardin Valley and surrounding communities with the latest advancements in myopia management. By taking action early, you can help protect your child’s eyesight and set them up for a healthier future.

If your child has been diagnosed with nearsightedness or you have concerns about their vision, schedule a pediatric eye exam with EyeXcel to explore myopia management options. Contact our office in Hardin Valley, located in Knoxville, Tennessee, by calling (865) 243-8260 to book an appointment today.