The world through a child’s eyes is one of wonder, discovery, and vibrant detail. But for a growing number of children, that clarity is becoming increasingly blurred by a condition known as childhood myopia, or nearsightedness. Once considered a relatively uncommon issue, childhood myopia is now reaching epidemic proportions, with studies showing that nearly 50% of the global population could be myopic by 2050.
Fortunately, at Innovative Eye Care, we offer myopia treatment in Charlotte near Dilworth and Myers Park, NC. We believe in taking proactive steps to slow myopia progression and empowering families with the knowledge to safeguard their children’s vision.
Our optometrists and eye doctors in Charlotte, Dr. Mumford, Dr. Kenning, and Dr. Krisa, understand how crucial clear vision is for your child’s learning, development, and overall quality of life. That’s why we’ve created this post to help you understand this condition, its risk factors, treatment options, and preventative measures to protect your child’s vision.
What is Myopia?
Childhood myopia is a common refractive error frequently observed in childhood, with potential for progression during adolescence. It occurs when a child’s eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision, making it difficult to see the whiteboard at school, recognize faces from afar, or enjoy outdoor activities. Without proper management, this condition can progress quickly, increasing the child’s risk of serious eye conditions like glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration.
Myopia Symptoms
Recognizing the following symptoms of myopia in your child is the first step toward addressing it:
- Squinting the eyes to see distant objects more clearly
- Sitting close to the TV or holding books very near their face
- Complaining of blurry vision when looking at the board in school or playing sports
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Noticing objects far away less easily than before
- Excessive blinking or eye rubbing
If you notice any of these symptoms, kindly schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our Charlotte eye doctors.
Risk Factors for Childhood Myopia
The following factors contribute to the development and progression of nearsightedness in children:
- Genetics: Children with parents who are myopic have a higher risk of developing the condition themselves.
- Excessive Near Work: Spending long hours on tablets, smartphones, books, and other close-up activities strains the eyes and may accelerate myopia progression.
- Reduced Outdoor Time: Children who spend less than 2 hours outdoors daily are at a higher risk of developing nearsightedness.
- Early Onset of Myopia: The younger a child develops myopia, the faster it may progress, leading to higher prescriptions and greater risks of eye diseases later in life.
- Urbanization: Children living in urban environments show higher myopia rates than those in rural areas, possibly due to increased near work and less outdoor time.
Childhood Myopia Treatment in Charlotte, NC
We offer the following treatments to slow down myopia progression and protect your child’s vision:
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
We provide custom-designed rigid gas-permeable lenses that your child wears overnight to gently reshape their cornea, providing them with clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or regular contacts.
Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses
We offer disposable contact lenses, such as MiSight lenses, specifically designed and FDA-approved for myopia control in children. Featuring different focusing powers, these lenses ensure clear vision at all distances, reduce eye strain, and slow down the elongation of the eye, a key factor in myopia progression.
Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops, administered nightly, have been proven effective in slowing myopia progression. Our optometrists often recommend this treatment as an additional therapy or for children who are not yet suited for contacts.
Spectacle Lenses with Peripheral Defocus
This is an alternative solution for children who are not suitable for or simply prefer not to wear contact lenses. Our specially designed spectacle lenses have a central area for clear distance vision and a peripheral area that creates myopic defocus on their retina, signaling their eye to slow its growth.
However, prevention is key! Alongside treatment, regular eye health exams and healthy habits such as limiting screen time, ensuring regular outdoor play, and maintaining good reading habits with proper lighting and distance play a significant role in preventing or slowing the onset and progression of childhood myopia.
Schedule Your Child’s Myopia Management Consultation Today!
At Innovative Eye Care, we offer myopia treatment in Charlotte. Don’t wait until your child’s vision worsens—early intervention can make all the difference. Schedule a pediatric eye exam with us today and explore the best myopia management options for your child.
