Myopia or nearsightedness is the most common vision condition affecting millions of individuals around the world. It is estimated that by 2050, almost half of the world's population will have developed myopia. 

The condition usually onsets in childhood and peaks in early adulthood. If your child is diagnosed with myopia, talk to your eye doctor about myopia management. The following are commonly asked questions about myopia management.

What Causes Myopia?

When light entering the eye focuses in front rather than on the retina, it leads to myopia. The condition occurs when the eye is longer than normal, causing problems with light refraction. Myopia usually develops in childhood and continues to worsen as the eyes grow. The child's prescription will often worsen as the child gets older before reaching a plateau at around 20. 

What Are Signs a Child Has Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error where the ability to see distant objects or images is affected. Signs that your child may have the condition include squinting when reading and sitting close to the TV or computer. Others are the inability to see the classroom board, holding books close to the face, and disinterest in activities that need clear distance vision. 

What Is Myopia Management? 

Myopia management is a treatment plan that helps halt or slow down the progression of myopia. Treatment can help protect children from developing high myopia. Studies show that while regular myopia correction options help improve vision, they can increase the eye's axial length. It can increase myopia progression. Myopia management helps prevent growth.

Why Is Myopia Management Necessary? 

Myopia is not vision-threatening but increases the risk of developing eye-threatening diseases. If myopia worsens, it increases the risk of developing conditions such as glaucoma, myopic macular degeneration, and cataracts. Myopia management can help prevent the worsening of the condition. 

What Does Myopia Management Entail?

Doctors create a myopia management plan based on the child's age and the severity of the condition. The management techniques include eyeglasses with special lenses, multifocal contact lenses, atropine eye drops, and orthokeratology. Orthokeratology, or ortho-k, involves using contact lenses worn at night to reshape the cornea. 

How Effective Is Myopia Management?

Myopia management treatment has been proven effective in reducing myopia progression. Effectiveness will depend on how early it is implemented after diagnosis and the frequency of use. It is vital to follow the doctor's instructions when implementing the plan. Management can reduce myopia progression by almost 80 percent. 

When Should Myopia Management Start?

It is never too early to start myopia management. For optimal results, you should begin treatment as soon as your child is diagnosed with myopia. It is vital if your child has a high risk of developing high myopia. If your child's prescription changes yearly, you should talk to the doctor about myopia management. A doctor will recommend the best management method depending on the child's age and prescription. 

There is no cure for myopia, but you can ensure that your child enjoys good vision during the vital growth years. If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, talk to an eye specialist about myopia management. You can learn the benefits of the treatment and find the most effective method. 

For more about myopia management, visit Federal Hill Eye Care at our Baltimore, Maryland office. Call (410) 752-8208 to schedule an appointment today.