If you’ve noticed your child squinting or holding a tablet or book too close to their face, you might be wondering if it’s time for glasses. Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is becoming more common in children, and while glasses can correct vision, they don’t slow down myopia progression. Only myopia management, including specialized contact lenses for myopia control, can slow the progression of vision changes. If your child is diagnosed with myopia, it’s important to start myopia management early to avoid potential eye problems in the future.
Why you should start myopia management early
Experts agree that the earlier myopia management begins, the better the long-term outcome. Myopia tends to worsen over time, especially during childhood and teenage years when the eyes are still growing. By starting treatment early, we can slow the progression and reduce the risk of high myopia, which is linked to serious eye conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration later in life. Even low and moderate myopia can come with risks, and an expert can help determine the best approach to protect your child’s vision.
When to start myopia management
There’s no exact age for every child, but many eye doctors recommend starting as soon as myopia is detected. This can be as young as 5 or 6 years old. Since myopia can progress rapidly in children, early intervention can help keep their prescription lower and their eyes healthier in the long run.
Signs your child needs myopia management
If you’re not sure if myopia management is right for your child, it’s best to consult an optometrist who specializes in myopia control. You can also look out for these signs of myopia in children:
- Squinting to see distant objects
- Holding books, screens, or tablets too close to their face
- Complaining about headaches or eye strain
- Difficulty seeing the board at school
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Excessive blinking
Don’t wait – get started today!
If your child has myopia, the best time to start management is now! The earlier we intervene, the better we can protect their vision and eye health now and in the future. Schedule an appointment with our myopia management specialists in Troy, Fort Loramie, or Sidney, Ohio, today!