Is your child’s glasses prescription getting stronger every year?
If so, they may have myopia, commonly called nearsightedness. Myopia is one of the most common vision problems in children, and it is becoming increasingly common around the world.
Traditionally, the approach to childhood myopia was simple: prescribe glasses or contact lenses to make distant objects clearer. While glasses correct blurry vision, they don't necessarily address the progression of myopia.
Today, eye doctors have options specifically designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. This approach is called myopia management or myopia control.
At Bulls Eye Care in Tampa, we believe parents should understand their child's options when a prescription begins to increase.
Myopia occurs when the eye focuses light in front of the retina rather than directly on it. As a result, objects that are far away can appear blurry while objects up close are easier to see.
Myopia commonly develops during childhood and can progress as the eye grows.
A child may not realize that their vision isn't clear because they have gradually adapted to the change. Parents may notice signs such as sitting close to the television, moving closer to the classroom board, squinting, or having difficulty seeing distant objects.
Simply giving a child stronger glasses each year corrects the vision they have at that moment, but it doesn't necessarily slow the underlying progression of the eye.
Increasing levels of myopia are associated with a greater lifetime risk of certain eye conditions, including:
Retinal detachment
Myopic macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Cataracts
The goal of myopia management is to slow the progression of nearsightedness while a child's eyes are still developing.
Slowing progression can potentially reduce the amount of myopia a child develops and may reduce their future risk of myopia-related eye complications.
There isn't one treatment that is right for every child. Depending on your child's age, prescription, eye health, lifestyle, and other factors, an eye doctor may recommend one or more approaches.
Certain specially designed contact lenses can help slow the progression of myopia.
These may include:
Multifocal contact lenses
Specialized soft contact lenses
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses
Some children are excellent candidates for these options, particularly when they are mature enough to handle contact lenses and follow proper hygiene and wearing instructions.
Daily disposable lenses can also be an attractive option for some children because a fresh pair is used each day.
Orthokeratology, often called ortho-k, uses specially designed rigid contact lenses that are worn while sleeping.
The lenses temporarily reshape the front surface of the eye, allowing some patients to see clearly during the day without wearing glasses or daytime contact lenses.
Ortho-k may also help slow myopia progression in appropriate patients.
Because these lenses are worn overnight, careful hygiene and professional monitoring are especially important.
Stellest lenses are specially designed spectacle lenses developed to help slow the progression of myopia in children. Unlike traditional eyeglasses that primarily correct blurry distance vision, Stellest lenses use H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target) technology to create a specialized optical effect that may help slow excessive eye growth. They provide clear central vision while simultaneously delivering a myopia-management treatment across the lens. Stellest lenses can be an option for children who need vision correction but may not be ready for contact lenses or other myopia-control treatments.
Lifestyle can also play an important role in childhood eye health.
Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors and taking regular breaks from prolonged near activities may be beneficial.
A simple habit for children who spend a lot of time reading, doing homework, or using digital devices is to regularly look away at something farther away.
Parents can also encourage children to spend time outdoors every day when practical and safe.
No.
Traditional glasses correct myopia. Myopia management is intended to help slow its progression.
A child may still need glasses or contact lenses to see clearly even while participating in a myopia management program.
The goal isn't simply to give your child clear vision today. It's to consider the long-term health of their eyes as well.
The earlier progressive myopia is identified, the sooner parents and their eye doctor can discuss available options.
Children are particularly important to monitor because their eyes are still growing.
Myopia management may be especially worth discussing if:
Your child's prescription has increased significantly
One or both parents are nearsighted
Your child developed myopia at a young age
Your child spends significant time doing close-up work
Your child spends little time outdoors
Your child's prescription continues to increase despite wearing glasses
A comprehensive eye examination can help determine whether your child has myopia and whether it is progressing.
Children don't always recognize that their vision is changing.
That's why regular comprehensive eye exams are so important.
During an eye examination, your optometrist can evaluate:
Visual acuity
Refractive error
Eye health
Eye alignment and focusing
Changes in the prescription over time
Other factors that may affect your child's vision
Monitoring the prescription over multiple visits allows your eye doctor to determine whether myopia is stable or progressing.
Myopia management isn't a one-time treatment.
Children receiving myopia management typically need regular follow-up appointments so their eye doctor can monitor their vision, eye health, and response to treatment.
The treatment plan may also need to change as the child grows.
Every child's eyes are different, so the best approach is an individualized one.
If your child's prescription seems to be getting stronger every year, don't assume that simply getting a stronger pair of glasses is the only option.
Ask your optometrist about myopia management.
At Bulls Eye Care in Tampa, we can evaluate your child's vision and eye health and discuss whether myopia management may be appropriate.
Myopia doesn't have to be something parents simply watch get worse.
With early detection, regular monitoring, and appropriate treatment, there are options that may help slow the progression of childhood myopia.
If your child's prescription has been increasing, schedule a comprehensive eye examination at Bulls Eye Care in Tampa and ask whether your child may benefit from a myopia management program.
Clear vision today is important. Protecting your child's eye health for the future is even more important.
