Myopia, or nearsightedness, is more than just difficulty seeing distant objects—it’s a condition that can have significant long-term consequences if left unmanaged.
In children, myopia tends to worsen over time, increasing the risk of severe vision complications in adulthood. Understanding these risks and addressing myopia early is crucial for protecting your child’s vision and overall eye health.
What Happens When Myopia Is Left Untreated?
Unmanaged myopia doesn’t just result in stronger prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses—it can lead to serious complications that affect both vision and eye health.
1. Increased Risk of Retinal Detachment
As the eye elongates due to progressive myopia, the retina becomes stretched and thin, increasing the likelihood of tears or detachment. A detached retina is a medical emergency that can result in permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
2. Glaucoma
High levels of myopia are associated with a greater risk of glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve due to increased intraocular pressure. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness and often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
3. Cataracts
Myopia increases the risk of developing cataracts earlier in life. Cataracts cloud the eye’s natural lens, impairing vision and often requiring surgery to restore clarity.
4. Myopic Maculopathy
In severe cases, progressive myopia can lead to myopic maculopathy, a condition where the central part of the retina degenerates. This can result in permanent loss of central vision, significantly impacting quality of life.
5. Severe Vision Impairment
Unmanaged myopia significantly increases the risk of severe vision impairment or legal blindness later in life, affecting independence and daily activities.
Why Myopia Progresses
Myopia progresses due to the elongation of the eyeball, which is often influenced by:
- Genetics: If one or both parents are nearsighted, their child is more likely to develop myopia.
- Environmental Factors: Limited outdoor time and prolonged near work, such as reading or screen use, contribute to the worsening of myopia.
Without intervention, the eye continues to grow, exacerbating both the prescription and associated risks.
How Early Management Prevents Risks
The good news is that with early intervention, the progression of myopia can be slowed, significantly reducing the risks of long-term complications.
Myopia Management Options
Accurate Family Vision offers a range of treatments tailored to your child’s needs, including:
- MiSight® Lenses: These FDA-approved contact lenses are proven to slow myopia progression while providing clear vision.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specialized overnight lenses that reshape the cornea to reduce myopia progression.
- Low-Dose Atropine Drops: A safe and effective option for slowing the growth of the eye.
Benefits of Early Intervention
- Reduced Risk of Severe Complications: Slowing eye growth minimizes the chances of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and other risks.
- Better Quality of Life: Children with managed myopia experience clearer vision and less dependence on corrective lenses.
- Long-Term Eye Health: Proper management protects your child’s vision well into adulthood.
Signs Your Child May Have Myopia
It’s important to recognize the early signs of myopia so you can take action:
- Complaints of blurry vision when looking at distant objects.
- Squinting or covering one eye to see better.
- Holding books or devices very close to their face.
- Difficulty seeing the board in school or frequent headaches.
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an eye exam promptly to determine if your child has myopia and to discuss management options.
The Role of Comprehensive Eye Care
At Accurate Family Vision in , we combine advanced technology with compassionate care to provide effective myopia management solutions. Our comprehensive eye exams allow us to detect myopia early, assess its progression, and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your child’s needs.
Take Action Today to Protect Your Child’s Vision
Unmanaged myopia can lead to serious consequences, but with early intervention and expert care, these risks can be minimized. At Accurate Family Vision, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Request an appointment to start your child’s myopia management journey. Together, we can protect their vision and ensure a brighter future.