Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a very common condition where close-up objects are clear, but distant objects appear blurry. While glasses or standard contact lenses can correct vision, they do not address the underlying cause of myopia progression. At Clayton Heights Optometry, we specialize in myopia management to help slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and reduce the risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases later in life.
Why Myopia Management Matters
Myopia significantly increases the risk of developing serious eye diseases later in life, such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration. The higher your child’s myopia, the greater the risk. Myopia management focuses on slowing the progression of nearsightedness, which can help maintain better vision for longer and protect your child’s long-term eye health.
Our Approach to Myopia Management
Myopia management is an area of eye care that uses various tools and treatments to prevent or slow your child’s myopia progression. Depending on your child’s specific needs, our doctors will be able to prescribe management options that can help your child maintain better vision for longer. We specialize in myopia treatment using methods such as:
- Orthokeratology: A specialized contact lens worn overnight to reshape the cornea and correct vision while you sleep.
- Soft Multifocal Contacts: Daily wear contact lenses designed to help control myopia progression.
- Atropine Therapy: Prescription eye drops used to slow the elongation of the eye that causes myopia.
How We Determine If Your Child Is a Candidate
If you are concerned about your child’s myopia, our team of eye care professionals will help you understand more about your child’s nearsightedness and determine whether your child is a candidate for myopia management. We begin with a detailed eye exam tailored to your child’s needs, assessing their current prescription, examining the shape and health of the eye, and asking about their daily routines, including screen habits, time spent outdoors, and visual activities.
When to Start Myopia Management
Myopia management is most effective when started early. If your child is already nearsighted, starting treatment sooner can make a significant difference in slowing progression. If you are unsure whether your child needs myopia management, we encourage you to contact our clinic to discuss your concerns and explore your options.
Take the Next Step
If you are interested in learning more about myopia management or want to see if your child is a candidate, contact Clayton Heights Optometry today. Our team is here to help you navigate your options and provide personalized care for your child’s vision needs.