Is your child squinting to see things far away, holding screens or books close to their face, or saying things look blurry? These could be signs of myopia, also known as nearsightedness, which is becoming more common in kids.
As children get older, myopia can worsen because their eyes are still growing and elongating. At Valley Eye Care Associates, we offer myopia management in Fort Kent to help slow or stop myopia progression. Keep reading to learn more about myopia management and why it’s important to start early.
Why is it important to start myopia management early?
Myopia often begins in childhood and can quickly worsen as children grow. If left unmanaged, it often results in the need for increasingly stronger glasses over time. Unmanaged myopia can also raise the risk of developing severe eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment and glaucoma.
When is the best time to start myopia control?
So, when should you start thinking about myopia management for your child? As soon as it is diagnosed! Early action can help slow down any progression and lower the risk of more serious eye problems in the future.
Children as young as six or seven can benefit from myopia management, as this is often when myopia progresses most rapidly due to eye growth. Even with a mild prescription, starting early is important, especially if there is a family history of myopia.
Can myopia be reversed?
No, myopia cannot be reversed. Once the eye has elongated and nearsightedness develops, glasses, contact lenses, or other corrective measures are needed to restore clear vision. However, with early myopia management, it is possible to:
- Slow the progression of nearsightedness
- Reduce dependence on stronger prescriptions over time
- Lower the risk of serious eye conditions later in life
Treatments like MiSight® 1-day contact lenses are effective in controlling myopia progression in children.
MiSight® 1-Day Contact Lenses for myopia control
At Valley Eye Care Associates, we offer MiSight® 1-day soft contact lenses for myopia control. These daily disposable lenses correct nearsightedness and help control its progression. Since these lenses are only worn for one day, they’re convenient and lower the risk of infections, making them perfect for younger kids.
MiSight® 1-day lenses are the first FDA-approved treatment shown to slow myopia progression in children, particularly when started between ages 8 and 12. Over three years, these lenses reduced myopia progression by an average of 59%, with 41% of eyes showing no progression.
Take action early to protect your child’s vision
Don’t wait for myopia to worsen! Early action is essential, so schedule an appointment with us today to learn how we can help protect your child’s vision and eye health.
