Myopia is a common refractive error that affects the ability to see distant objects clearly. As a parent, it can be concerning to learn that your child has myopia or nearsightedness. While it may seem worrisome at first, rest assured that myopia is manageable, and with the right care, your child will again start enjoying clear vision. 

This blog aims to guide you on what steps you should take if your child is diagnosed with myopia and emphasise the importance of seeking expert eyecare help.

Schedule A Comprehensive Eye Examination

The first step when you suspect your child’s myopia is to schedule a comprehensive eye examination with a qualified eye care professional. An optometrist or ophthalmologist will perform a thorough evaluation of your child’s vision and eye health. The paediatric eye exams help determine the severity of myopia, assess other visual issues, and rule out any underlying conditions that may be adding to myopia.

Understand the Diagnosis and Treatment Options

During the eye examination, the eye care professional diagnoses myopia and discusses the available treatment options. As a parent, it’s important for you to understand the condition and the recommended treatment options. The most common treatment options for myopia include:

• Eyeglasses: Prescription eyeglasses are one of the most common and effective solutions to correct myopia. The eyecare specialists often prescribe single-vision glasses or multifocal glasses depending on the need. The glasses provide clear vision, help to reduce eye strain, and prevent myopia from getting worse. 
• Contact lenses: The optometrist may also prescribe contact lenses depending on the child’s age and level of maturity. Just like kids’ glasses, multifocal contact lenses help correct vision and also stop myopia from getting worse. There are soft contact lenses available for children, and they offer an alternative to eyeglasses, particularly for those engaged in sports or other physical activities. 
• Orthokeratology or ortho-K: This treatment involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. The lenses are removed in the morning, and the child can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
• Low-dose atropine eye drops: Studies have shown that low-dose atropine eye drops can slow the progression of myopia in children. Depending on the situation, eye specialists might also recommend low-dose atropine eye drops to slow down the progression of myopia in children. However, in some cases, the use of these topical agents can cause blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and maybe some itching and discomfort.

Encourage Healthy Visual Habits

In today’s digital age, excessive near-work and screen time have been associated with an increased risk of myopia progression. In addition to the prescribed treatment, you must encourage healthy visual habits for your child’s myopia control. You can the following tips to promote healthy visual habits. 

• Encourage outdoor activities: Spending time outdoors, especially in natural light, for at least 2 hours a day can lower the risk of myopia. You should encourage outdoor activities to reduce the progression of myopia. 
• Implement the 20-20-20 rule: You can also implement the 20-20-20 rule to prevent your child’s myopia progression. In this rule, for every 20 minutes of near-sight work or screen time, your child has to look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This technique helps reduce eye strain and promotes better eye focus.
• Ensure proper lighting: Ensure that the lighting in your child’s study area is adequate and does not strain their eyes. Avoid excessive glare from windows or bright lights.
• Limit screen time: Set reasonable limits on the amount of time your child spends on digital gadgets, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Encourage regular breaks and alternate activities that involve looking at distant objects.

Regular Follow-up Examinations

Myopia can progress rapidly, especially during childhood and adolescence. It is essential to schedule regular follow-up examinations with your eye care professional to monitor your child’s vision and evaluate the effectiveness of the chosen treatment. These paediatric eye exams will help ensure that your child’s myopia is managed optimally and any necessary adjustments can be made.

Final Thoughts 

If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, it’s important not to panic. With the right care and expert eyecare help, your child can continue to enjoy clear vision and a healthy visual experience. Remember, early intervention and ongoing care are vital in maintaining your child’s eye health and visual well-being. Salisbury Optometrist is a well-reputed eye care centre where you will find expert eye treatment for pediatric myopia.