If you think more powerful prescription glasses are the right solution to keep your child's myopia from worsening, think again. Myopia management is a more effective way to slow down the progression of myopia.
Myopia management is a proactive approach to myopia care that aims to slow down the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of serious eye problems later in life. You can achieve myopia management through a variety of methods.
How Does Myopia Worsen?
Myopia can worsen over time due to several factors, including:
- Eyeball growth: As children grow, their eyeballs grow as well. In some cases, the eyeballs can become elongated, leading to myopia, which is why myopia is often diagnosed and progresses during childhood.
- Heredity Factors: Myopia is a hereditary condition parents can pass down to children. If one or both of your parents are nearsighted, you are more likely to develop or experience myopia progression.
- Screen time: Spending too much time on screens, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, can also contribute to myopia progression because screens require us to focus on close objects for extended periods.
- Lack of outdoor time: Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can help slow myopia's progression because sunlight helps stimulate dopamine production. This neurotransmitter plays a role in eye growth and development.
It is important to note that myopia progression is not always predictable. Some people experience rapid progression, while others experience slow or no progression. You must talk to your eye doctor if you are concerned about myopia progression. They can monitor your vision and recommend treatment options to help slow the progression of myopia.
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 Forney Eye Associates today!
Our practice serves patients from Dallas, Forney, Mesquite, Plano, Texas, and surrounding communities
Our practice serves patients from Dallas, Forney, Mesquite, and Plano, Texas 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: 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.