My kid has myopia. Should I be concerned and do myopia control?
You may have heard talk online about the rising global prevalence of myopia in children, an eye condition where objects at a distance appear blurry. Myopia is also called short-sightedness or near-sightedness.
While genetics and age are unchangeable risk factors, parents can help to slow progression through lifestyle adjustments like increasing outdoor time and limiting screen use.
Now we also have special ways to treat myopia. Beyond traditional glasses, modern science-backed treatmentsincluding specialised contact lenses, atropine eye drops, and high-tech spectacle lenses designed to slow eye growth.
Why do should you care about myopia in kids?
Untreated near-sightedness/shortsightedness can lead to serious long-term health risks. The specific eye health risks associated with myopia are primarily linked to the physical elongation of the eye.
As the eye grows physically longer and longer, there is a serious increased risk of developing vision-threatening conditions - like retinal detachment and myopic macular degeneration - as a person ages.
It may be hard to imagine, but your 8-year-old will one day hopefully be a 60 year old person one day. And you want their eyes to be as health as possible at that age of 60. Treating myopia is not just about avoiding the inconvenience of glasses; it is about protecting eye health and vision into adulthood and old age.
If you are concerned about myopia in your child or loved one, please speak with your eyecare provider and make sure to see one who is knowledgeable on myopia management/control options.
