If you think more powerful prescription glasses are the right solution to keep your child’s myopia from getting worse, think again. Talk to us about myopia management, which can slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) by up to 78%.
How Does Myopia Worsen?
In nearsighted people, the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, is more curved than in non-myopes. This elongated eyeball shape refracts incoming light in front of the retina rather than directly on it. The result? Blurred vision.
In other words, the longer the eyeball, the more severe the myopia.
The following can contribute to myopia progression:
- Eye growth – as children grow, so do the eyeballs. And in certain cases, they become elongated (myopia).
- Hereditary factors – if one or both parents have myopia, the condition is likely to progress at a rapid pace.
- Not enough outdoor time –1 to 2 hours a day outdoors is recommended to prevent myopia progression.
- Excessive screen time – myopia development and progression have been linked to extended screen time.
What Is Myopia Management?
Myopia management is a custom-designed treatment plan that identifies slows or stops myopia progression. Our optometrists provide diagnostic eye exams and create a myopia management program to keep your child’s nearsightedness in check.
Why Is Myopia Management Important?
Myopia doesn’t just affect your child’s ability to see distant objects; it can increase your child’s risk of developing these serious eye problems in adulthood:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Myopia macular degeneration
- Retinal detachment
The sooner your child begins myopia management, the better the chances of slowing myopia’s progression and reducing the risk of eye diseases later in life.
Myopia Management Can Preserve Your Child’s Vision
If you’re eager to preserve your child’s eyesight now and in the future, myopia management can help. Book an appointment at Lifetime Eyecare today!
Our practice serves patients from Edmonton, Leduc, Sherwood Park, and Beaumont, Alberta and surrounding communities.
Q: Does screen time affect myopia?
- A: Yes. In a study published in The Lancet Digital Health (October 2021), an international team of researchers found that at least 3 hours of screen time per day can increase the risk of developing myopia by 30%. Other research suggests that reducing your child’s screen time and encouraging more outdoor activities can prevent myopia and keep it from progressing.
Q: When should one start myopia management?
A: As soon as possible! Research shows that the earlier a child becomes myopic, the faster their myopia will progress. Act quickly if you want to have the greatest impact on slowing myopia progression.
