Managing Myopia in Children

Did you know that myopia is becoming increasingly common among children? Studies show that nearly 30% of children worldwide are affected by myopia, and experts expect this number to rise in the coming years.

Advanced Eyecare, LLC aims to address this concern through effective myopia management services designed to protect your child's vision and overall eye health.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are clear. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Myopia typically develops in childhood and can progress as children grow.

The Causes of Myopia

The exact cause of myopia is not fully understood, but many believe it results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Key contributors include:

• Genetics: Children with one or both parents who are nearsighted are more likely to develop myopia
• Close-Up Activities: Extensive time spent on activities such as reading and using digital devices can strain the eyes and contribute to myopia progression
• Lack of Outdoor Time: Studies suggest that spending less time outdoors and reduced exposure to natural light can increase the risk of developing myopia

How Do I Know if My Child is Myopic?

Children may not always recognize or communicate vision problems, making it crucial for parents to be aware of the signs of myopia. Look for these indicators:

• Frequent squinting to see distant objects
• Sitting too close to the TV or holding devices very close to their face
• Complaints of headaches, particularly after prolonged visual tasks
• Excessive eye rubbing, especially after close-up activities
• Struggling to see the board at school or read road signs

Why is Management Important?

Managing myopia is essential to prevent its progression and avoid long-term complications. Without proper management, myopia can lead to:

• Increased Risk of Eye Diseases: Higher degrees of myopia are associated with a greater risk of developing serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment
• Impact on Daily Activities: Uncorrected myopia can affect a child's performance in school, sports, and daily life activities
• Progressive Vision Loss: Myopia worsens over time, leading to progressively poorer vision if not managed effectively

Myopia Control at Advanced Eyecare, LLC

We offer a range of effective myopia management services in Pearl River and Picayune tailored to each child's needs. Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Comprehensive Eye Exams: Regular eye exams to monitor your child’s vision and detect any changes
• Contact Lenses: We provide specialized contact lenses to reshape the cornea and slow the progression of myopia
• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops are an effective treatment to slow myopia progression in children
• Prescription Glasses: We offer specially designed glasses with lenses that help control myopia progression
• Lifestyle and Activity Recommendations: We offer guidance on incorporating more outdoor activities and reducing screen time to support healthy vision development

Our team works closely with you and your child to develop a personalized myopia plan that fits your child's needs and lifestyle.

Take proactive steps to protect their vision with our myopia management services. Schedule an appointment at Advanced Eyecare, LLC and ensure your child enjoys a clear and healthy future.