Over 10 million U.S. children already have myopia. By 2050, half the world’s population will have myopia.
Myopia Management:
Myopia is commonly referred to as nearsighted which means clearer vision at near relative to far distances. Myopia is much more than “just” blurry vision. Myopia is the condition where the length of the eye is excessively long. Myopia is a serious eye condition because of the increased risk of eye disease associated with it. People with myopia are at a higher risk of developing blinding eye conditions such as Retinal Detachment, Glaucoma, Maculopathy and earlier Cataracts. Research has shown a direct relationship between the degree of myopia and the risk of these serious eye diseases.
Myopia is developed. Myopia is very rare at birth, it develops with time and it is well known that myopia increases in school age children. As parents, it is alarming to see our child’s vision deteriorate every year. Parents who remember getting glasses themselves feared it was just a matter of time before their children needed them too. But the rate and severity of myopia is growing so significantly that researchers believe there are other contributing factors beyond genetics.
Many studies now point to environmental and behavioral factors such as increased computer use and reduced outdoor activities during development have a role in the leap in myopia occurrence. Since myopia commonly progresses from lower amounts to higher amounts it is advantageous to limit the progression of myopia which in turn will limit the risk of eye disease later in life.
Now there is something we can do about myopia. Finally something you can do about your child’s worsening vision beyond stronger and stronger glasses every year. Our doctors at Monticello Eye Center are among the leaders in the field of myopia. Thankfully there are options to limit the progression of childhood myopia. Currently these include:
Your doctor and Monticello Eye Center will analyze your child’s situation and tailor a personalized treatment to limit the progression of childhood myopia.