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Safeguarding Vision: Understanding Myopia in Children

2024-02-21 00:00:00Z


VisualEyes Optometrists - Kid wearing glasses

Myopia also known as short sightedness is a condition that will compromise vision and may lead to blindness. Children are more likely to develop myopia during their early development stages (pre-school to primary age). It is highly important to have your child checked.

Myopia is the leading cause of avoidable visual impairment. A higher degree of myopia will mean a greater risk of developing sight-threatening complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and myopia macular degeneration. It is a common condition that is usually diagnosed before age 20. It affects your distance vision, and you will see objects that are near, but you will have trouble viewing objects that are farther away like grocery store aisle markers or road signs. Children with first prescription before the age of 10 years showed the strongest progression and a significantly final Spherical Equivalent (SER). Generally, children who developed SER at 10 years were highly myopic as adults. Further, soft contact lenses for myopia control in children are safe. In most cases, eye specialists will treat nearsightedness with glasses, contact lenses or corrective surgery, like LASEK. Other cases of pathologic myopia will lead to more serious eye conditions.

Be proactive! Get your child’s eyes checked and talk to your eye care professional today about reducing the risk of myopia. Regular eye exams are important for everyone but are especially if you have high myopia or pathologic myopia. You will follow the schedule set out by your eye care provider. Stay healthy and outdoors for better vision!

For more tips on Myopia Care, contact VisualEyes Optometrists.

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