How Can I Slow Down Myopia in My Child?

Myopia or nearsightedness is a vision problem that is growing among children. The condition usually begins in childhood. It is characterized by the eyeball growing too long, resulting in blurry distance vision. Studies suggest that in the next thirty years, almost half of the global population will suffer from myopia. 

Myopia can affect a child’s daily life, increasing the chances of eye health problems in the future. Fortunately, some strategies can help control or manage myopia. It is vital to find out how to slow down myopia in your child. 

Dealing With Myopia 

Myopia is a refractive error resulting from abnormal growth of the eyeball. The exact cause of the condition is unknown, but it has a relationship with a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. There is no cure for myopia, but it is possible to slow down its progression. 

The best way to control myopia is by practicing a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing severe myopia. Spending time outdoors can have a positive effect on children’s eye health. 

Using Multifocal Eyeglasses

Wearing eyeglasses that have progressive multifocal or bifocal lenses may help slow the progression of myopia in some children. The glasses are not effective for all kids, but they can help relieve worsening vision in some kids. 

The multifocal glasses rely on technology that magnifies the lens power, reducing fatigue while focusing on close tasks. Focusing fatigue is one of the factors that contribute to the worsening of myopia. 

Multifocal Contact Lenses 

There are distance-center multifocal contacts for myopia control. The contact lenses use distance to the center, meaning that the area for distance vision is in the middle of the lens. This helps provide clear vision while slowing myopia progression. 

People wear distance-center multifocal contacts just like regular contacts throughout the day. The center part helps compensate for difficulties with distance vision, while the outer part helps improve visual acuity.  

Orthokeratology Treatment 

Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses are special contacts that users should wear overnight. Made from special gas permeable material, the contact lenses are a safe and convenient option for myopia control. 

The contacts help reshape the cornea while you sleep, helping reverse myopia temporarily. You should remove the lenses when you wake up to see clearly throughout the day. You will not need to wear glasses or contacts during the day.

Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine drops are prescription drops that patients should use every day. The drops produce impressive results in slowing myopia. Research has shown that focusing fatigue is a significant factor in nearsightedness. 

Using atropine eye drop affects the eye’s focusing mechanism, helping control myopia. Doctors prescribe atropine in very low dosages. It works by dilating the pupil, temporarily paralyzing and relaxing the eye’s focusing function. 

Finding the right myopia management option for your child will also depend on the severity of the condition. 

To find out how you can slow down myopia in your child, visit Ocean Park Optometry at our office in ​​​​​​Santa Monica, California. You can call (310) 452-1039 today to schedule an appointment.