Myopia Management

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children. It’s a condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close objects can be seen clearly. This happens because 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 often begins in childhood and can progress rapidly, particularly during the school years.

Symptoms of Myopia in Children:

• Squinting: To see distant objects more clearly.
• Sitting Close to Screens: Children with myopia may sit very close to the television or hold books and devices close to their face.
• Difficulty Seeing the Board: A common sign is trouble reading the chalkboard or whiteboard at school.
• Frequent Eye Rubbing: This could indicate eye strain or discomfort.
• Complaints of Headaches: Straining to see clearly can lead to headaches.

Myopia Control Options for Children:

1. Glasses:
   • Single-Vision Lenses: Traditional glasses can correct vision but don’t control the progression of myopia.
   • Multifocal Glasses: These are specially designed to help reduce eye strain during near work, which can slow down myopia progression.
2. Contact Lenses:
   • Multifocal Contact Lenses: These lenses have different zones for near and distance vision and can help slow myopia progression.
   • MiSight Contact Lenses: FDA-approved daily disposable lenses specifically designed to control myopia in children. They have concentric rings that create different focal points, reducing the stimulus for eye growth.
3. Atropine Eye Drops:
   • Low-Dose Atropine: This medication is administered as an eye drop at bedtime and has been proven effective in slowing the progression of myopia. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it is believed to reduce the eye’s tendency to elongate.
4. Increased Outdoor Time:
   • Natural Light Exposure: Studies suggest that spending more time outdoors can reduce the risk of developing myopia and slow its progression. Natural light is thought to play a protective role, and outdoor activities encourage children to look at distant objects, reducing the strain of prolonged near work.
5. Lifestyle Modifications:
   • Balanced Near Work: Limiting prolonged screen time and close-up activities, such as reading and using digital devices, can help manage myopia. Encouraging breaks during near work can reduce eye strain.

Importance of Early Intervention:

Managing myopia in children is crucial to prevent high myopia, which can lead to serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. Regular eye exams are essential to monitor vision changes and adjust treatment as needed. Early intervention with myopia control strategies can significantly slow down the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of complications.