Myopia, or "nearsightedness" occurs when the length of the eye increases. Myopia begins to become an issue when the length increases drastically in a short period of time, or becomes excessive.
As children grow, so do their eyes. Yearly eye exams are important to assess that their eyes are developing with their growing bodies. However, if there is a significant myopic change compared to the previous year, we may want to recommend ways to slow down the progression. This proactive treatment is called myopia control.
If the length of the eye or the prescription change beyond a certain point, an individual is at a higher risk of complications later on in life, including glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachments, and other retinal conditions that could impair their vision significantly.
There are currently multiple treatment options available to help decrease the rate of progression of your child's myopia. Some of those treatments include:
Make an appointment today to figure out which treatment option is best for you and your child!