Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision issues in children and young adults today. It causes distant objects to appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. While glasses or contact lenses can correct the vision problems associated with myopia, many people don’t realize that if left unmanaged, myopia can lead to more serious eye health issues over time. Taking steps to control it early can help protect long-term vision and prevent complications later in life.
 

What Is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry vision when looking at objects in the distance. Myopia typically begins in childhood and often progresses as the eyes grow.
 

Myopia tends to worsen over time, particularly during the school-age years. As a child grows, their eyes can elongate, increasing the degree of nearsightedness. The faster and more severely myopia progresses, the greater the potential risk for future eye complications.
 

The Risks of Untreated Myopia

If myopia is left untreated or allowed to progress without proper management, it can significantly increase the risk of developing more serious eye conditions later in life. These include:
 

•          Retinal Detachment: Excessive eye elongation stretches the retina, making it more prone to tears or detachment.

•          Glaucoma: Individuals with high myopia have a greater risk of developing glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss.

•          Cataracts: Myopia is associated with earlier development of cataracts, which cloud the natural lens of the eye.

•          Myopic Macular Degeneration: A condition in which the central part of the retina (macula) degenerates, leading to irreversible vision loss.
 

Early Detection Is Key

The earlier myopia is detected and properly managed, the better the long-term outcomes for your child’s vision. Catching the condition in its early stages allows for more effective intervention and helps prevent the risks associated with high or rapidly progressing myopia.
 

Regular pediatric eye exams play a vital role in early detection. These comprehensive exams allow optometrists to identify vision changes before noticeable symptoms arise, monitor how quickly myopia is progressing, and recommend personalized treatment plans tailored to your child’s specific needs.
 

Myopia Management Treatments to Consider

There are several proven treatment options are available to help slow the progression of myopia:
 

•          Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine has been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children without significantly affecting vision or pupil size.

•          Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight reshape the cornea temporarily, providing clear vision during the day and reducing myopia progression.

•          Multifocal Contact Lenses: These lenses provide different focal points that signal the eye to slow down the process of getting longer and slow down myopic changes.

Every child’s eyes are unique, and our team is here to guide you through the best options for managing your child’s myopia effectively.
 

Protect Your Child’s Eyes at Roosevelt Vision

While myopia may begin as a simple case of blurry distance vision, its long-term effects shouldn’t be underestimated. Left unmanaged, progressive myopia can increase the risk of serious eye diseases later in life. Early detection and proactive treatment can help preserve your child’s vision and reduce the risks of future complications.
 

Contact Roosevelt Vision to schedule a pediatric eye exam and explore personalized myopia management options. Visit our office in Seattle, Washington, or call (206) 527-2987 to book an appointment today.