How to Treat Myopia in Children?

Is your child squinting or complaining about headaches? They may be suffering from Myopia, also known as nearsightedness. It's an eye condition where the child is able to see objects up close, but distant objects appear blurry.

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea or lens is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it.

Treating Myopia in Children

It is important to treat Myopia in children to prevent it from worsening or leading to more severe eye problems. Here are some ways to treat Myopia in children:

1. Corrective Lenses

Corrective lenses, like glasses or contact lenses, is a common treatment for Myopia in children. They work by bending the light that enters the eye, allowing it to focus correctly on the retina. It can improve a child’s distance vision and reduce symptoms like eye strain and headaches. It is important to get regular eye exams to ensure that the corrective lenses are up to date.

2. Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) is a non-surgical treatment for Myopia in children. It involves wearing special rigid contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. The effects of Orthokeratology can last for one to two days, so it's done regularly to maintain vision correction.

3. Atropine Eye Drops

Another treatment option for Myopia in children is Atropine eye drops. They work by dilating the pupil and temporarily relaxing the eye’s focusing mechanism. Children have participated in studies on the usefulness of Atropine for the management of Myopia. Consult with your optometrist on whether it's the correct treatment for your child.

4. Vision Therapy

Vision therapy is a non-surgical treatment option for Myopia that involves exercises and activities to improve visual skills and perception. It is often used to treat other vision problems, such as Amblyopia or Strabismus, but it may also be helpful for children with Myopia.

5. Lifestyle Changes

There are some lifestyle changes that parents can encourage their children to make to reduce the progression of Myopia. Spending more time outdoors and less time doing near work, like using electronic devices, has proven to reduce the risk of Myopia in children. Additionally, ensuring that children have good lighting and are sitting at an appropriate distance from the screen or book can reduce eye strain and fatigue.

Myopia is a common eye condition that can be effectively treated in children.

Treatment of Myopia in Children in Mississauga

The team at The Myopia Management Center at Sheridan Optometric Centre specializes in Myopia treatment. Contact them to discuss the different treatment options and find the best solution for your child.