Every parent wants the best for their children, and that includes maintaining healthy vision. One common vision problem that many children struggle with is myopia. At Omaha Primary EyeCare in Omaha, NE, we know how important it is to manage myopia in children and offer comprehensive solutions to help. Learn more about myopia management for children and the benefits it provides.
Understanding myopia
Myopia is a vision problem where close objects appear clear, but distant objects are blurry. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia typically develops in childhood and can progress as children grow, potentially leading to more severe vision problems in adulthood.
What is myopia management?
Myopia management refers to treatments designed to slow down the progression of myopia or, in other words, prevent it from getting worse. Effective myopia management treatments can lower the risk of developing high myopia, which is associated with serious eye health complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.
What types of treatments are used in myopia management?
At Omaha Primary EyeCare, our eye doctors recommend custom treatment programs for children with myopia, including orthokeratology. Orthokeratology (ortho-k) involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. This method provides clear vision during the day without needing glasses or contact lenses and has been shown to slow myopia progression in children.
Parents should also encourage children to spend more time outdoors and limit activities that require prolonged near vision, such as reading and screen time. Exposure to natural light and taking regular breaks from close-up tasks are beneficial for children.
What are the benefits of myopia management for children?
Managing myopia helps children maintain better vision, which is crucial for their daily activities, academic performance, and overall quality of life. Clear vision supports learning, sports, and social interactions. Early intervention and management can protect your child’s long-term eye health, reducing the likelihood of developing sight-threatening conditions later in life.
At Omaha Primary EyeCare, we offer a range of effective myopia management treatments tailored to your child’s needs. By slowing the progression of myopia, we can help ensure your child enjoys clear vision, improved quality of life, and long-term eye health. Schedule an appointment with us today to discuss the best myopia management plan for your child.
