We've noticed a growing concern among parents: myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Unfortunately, children are becoming nearsighted at earlier ages and higher rates than ever.
We established the Children's Myopia Center here at Invision Eye Care to help parents and children understand and address this issue.
But why is this happening? Let's explore possible causes and discuss how to help manage and treat childhood nearsightedness.
Increased screen time is a major factor in the increase of childhood nearsightedness.
Children today spend significant time on digital devices for school, entertainment, or social interaction. This prolonged close-up eye work can cause considerable eye strain, leading to myopia.
Another contributing factor is reduced outdoor activity. Spending time in natural light and regularly changing eye focus, like looking at distant objects, may help prevent myopia. Unfortunately, many children are spending less time playing outside, which could contribute to nearsightedness.
Genetics is another factor in childhood myopia. If you're nearsighted, your children are more likely to develop myopia. For many kids, environmental factors compound this genetic predisposition to myopia.
At Envision Eye Care, we take a comprehensive approach to managing and treating myopia in children. Our Children's Myopia Center is equipped with advanced technology and staffed by pediatric eye care experts.
We go way beyond eye charts. Our advanced tests can painlessly detect myopia in its earliest stages. We recommend vision exams starting at age 5 to check for nearsightedness.
We use the Optos to create a detailed map of the back of your child's eye, Zeiss IOLMaster 700 to measure eye length within a thousandth of a millimeter, Marco OPD3 to instantly see what your child can see, and Pentacam for 3D corneal scanning that can rule out eye diseases.
Eyeglasses are an effective treatment for nearsightedness, but standard glasses don't slow down myopia progression.
Recent clinical research shows special contact lenses greatly benefit kids with myopia. The daily disposable lenses, called MiSight, correct vision and slow myopia progression in kids aged 8-12.
Another option, daily prescription eye drops, can help curb myopia progression if used consistently over time. Our doctors may combine contact lenses with eye drops in some cases.
We focus on reducing myopia risk and progression so your child can enjoy clear vision for life. It's also important to note that high myopia increases the risk of vision-threatening conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment later in life.
We recommend a screening and treatment plan using scientifically peer-reviewed research and personalize it for your child.
If you're concerned about your child's vision, don't wait. Contact us by calling (732) 210-0140 today.
