You may have noticed your child squinting to see the board at school or moving closer to the TV. These can be signs of nearsightedness, also known as myopia, and it’s natural to wonder what you can do to help protect your child’s future vision. Our team at Vivid Eye Care can address these concerns and assess your child’s vision during a children’s eye exam.
Myopia control glasses can help slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children while also correcting blurry vision in the distance.
What Is Myopia & Why Does It Get Worse?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common condition that makes distant objects look blurry while close-up objects remain clear. In children, this often happens because the eyeball grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina (a tissue at the back of the eye) instead of directly on it.
Genetics also play a role in myopia, so if you or your partner are nearsighted, your child is more likely to be so as well. The amount of time spent on close-up tasks, like using a tablet or reading, can also influence how a child’s vision develops.
Your child’s eyes are growing, which is why their prescription may get stronger over time. Signs that their vision might be changing include:
- Regularly squinting to see far-away objects
- Sitting too close to screens or holding books near their face
- Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
Standard Glasses & Myopia Control Glasses
How Standard Glasses Work
Standard prescription glasses are designed to do one job—correct blurry distance vision. While this provides clarity, it doesn’t slow down the progression of myopia. For growing children, this can mean that they need a stronger prescription as their eyes continue to change.
How Myopia Control Glasses Work
Myopia control glasses do 2 things at once. First, much like standard lenses, they correct your child’s blurry distance vision. Second, they include technology that helps with myopia management plan. This helps slow the rate at which a child’s myopia gets worse.
The Science Behind Myopia Control Lenses
So, how can a pair of glasses tell an eye to slow its growth? It all comes down to how these lenses focus light across the retina. Myopia control lenses provide clear central vision while creating a slight blur in your child’s peripheral (side) vision. This peripheral blur functions as a signal to the eye, causing it to slow its growth front-to-back, so that it doesn’t elongate as quickly.
The Importance of Early Myopia Management
Starting myopia management early can have a significant impact. Children’s eyes are still developing, which means that they often respond well to treatments designed to slow myopia progression.
A proactive approach can also mean more freedom for your child in the future. Lower prescriptions often mean thinner, lighter lenses for glasses. Better vision can also open up more options for vision correction, including contact lenses, when your child gets older.
Managing myopia early also supports your child’s long-term eye health. By slowing myopia and keeping their adult prescription lower, you can help reduce their risk of developing certain eye conditions later in life.
A Full-Scope Plan for Your Child’s Vision
A good myopia management plan often involves more than just a specific pair of glasses. It’s a complete approach that includes professional guidance and healthy lifestyle habits to support your child’s eyes.
Playing outdoors offers many benefits for children’s eyes. Focusing on distant objects gives their eyes a break from close-up work.
You can also teach your kids to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, have them look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps their eye muscles relax.
Work With a Local Eye Doctor
Regular eye exams are key to monitoring your child’s vision and eye health. As your eye doctor in Cranston Market and Meadows Mile, we can track any changes in your child’s prescription and overall eye health. Our team can walk you through the options and recommend a plan that fits your child’s needs.
Your child’s vision is precious, and taking steps to manage myopia early can help preserve it for years to come. To learn more about myopia control for your child, contact the team at Vivid Eye Care to book a consultation.
