What is Myopia?

If you are a parent, it is essential to be vigilant about your child's eye health. One critical issue that parents should look out for is myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Myopia is an epidemic affecting children worldwide, with the number of cases significantly increasing in recent years. It can lead to serious eye complications in the future, making it a condition of utmost importance to address. In this blog post, we will delve into the nitty-gritty of myopia in children and how you and New Vision Care can help.
 

Why we care...

Myopia is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. The condition occurs when the eyeball's axial length is too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often begins in childhood, and the early onset of the condition can lead to higher degrees of myopia and a higher risk of vision-threatening eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment later in life.

The global prevalence of myopia is increasing at an alarming rate. In the United States, it is estimated that nearly 42% of people between the ages of 12 to 54 years have some degree of myopia. Furthermore, studies have shown that myopia tends to run in families and is more prevalent in Asian populations than in any other racial or ethnic group.

The good news is that myopia treatment options are available. Dr. Kimble at New Vision Care offers several ways to slow down the progression of myopia in children, including Corneal Reshaping Therapy (Ortho-k/CRT), MiSight, and Atropine eye drops. CRT involves wearing specialized contact lenses that reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing clear vision throughout the day without needing contact lenses or glasses. MiSight is a soft contact lens worn during the day, with its unique design slowing down the progression of myopia in children. Finally, Atropine eye drops, applied at night, can also help slow the progression of myopia by relaxing the eyes' focusing mechanism.
 

In Conclusion:

Myopia is an epidemic affecting children worldwide, and it's crucial for parents to be vigilant about their children's eye health. Dr. Kimble at New Vision Care offers treatment options, such as CRT, MiSight, and Atropine eye drops, to help slow down the progression of myopia in children. By addressing myopia early on, we can prevent future eye complications that could significantly impact your child's quality of life. Contact Dr. Kimble at New Vision Care today to book an appointment and get your child's eyes examined. With the right care, we can take the necessary steps to keep your child's vision crystal clear.