Available Treatments for Children With Nearsightedness

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a genetic condition that affects a child’s vision. Children born to parents with myopia are more likely to become nearsighted, and their condition tends to get worse as they grow. While it’s not possible to reverse or cure nearsightedness, an optometrist may offer treatments that help manage it.

Understanding Myopia 

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long from front to back, when the cornea is too steeply curved, or when the eyes grow too quickly and too long for the normal rate of eye growth in children. These issues can cause light rays to focus in front of the retina, leading to blurred vision when looking at distant objects. It is a common condition that affects people worldwide. Nearsightedness typically begins in childhood. Children with myopia may tend to sit close to the television or complain of not seeing clearly.

Understanding Treatment Options for Children

While there is no cure for myopia, treatment options such as contact lenses or eyedrops can prevent the condition from worsening. Before treatment, a child needs to undergo a vision screening at a pediatrician’s office. If they fail the screening test, they will obtain a diagnosis from an optometrist who will recommend different treatment options. Some common treatment options include:

Low Dose Atropine Eye Drops

Parents who are nearsighted may be concerned that their children will develop the same issue as they grow. Administering low doses of atropine eye drops to children between the ages of 5 and 18 can help slow down the progression of nearsightedness.

Atropine is a commonly used eye drop to dilate the pupils. It is well tolerated by small children. Myopia progresses as the eyes lengthen. Atropine eye drop doses should be administered when myopia worsens and discontinued when the eye’s growth stops.

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses are designed to slow eye growth and reduce the onset of myopia. They are designed to give different areas of focus. The lens consists of the center, which is meant to correct blurred vision, and the outlet layer, which blurs side vision. By blurring side vision, the lenses help limit certain cases of myopia in children aged 6 to 12. The lenses need special care to prevent corneal infection.

Eye Glasses

Specialized eyeglasses for nearsightedness can help a child see distant objects easily. They enable the cells that control eye growth to receive a focused image, limiting nearsightedness.

Glasses are typically more convenient to take care of than contact lenses for children. Select frames that fit the child well and are appropriate for activities such as sports. For younger children, frames with straps will help keep the glasses in place. An optometrist can assist you in choosing the ideal frames and glasses based on your child’s age and activity level.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K is a special kind of lens worn at night to limit nearsightedness in children during the day. The lenses work by flattening the cornea when the child sleeps. During the day, the flattened cornea allows light to pass through the retina, making it easy to see distant images.

Ortho-K lenses give temporary relief to myopia. Once the child stops sleeping with the lens at night, the nearsightedness comes back because the cornea returns to its normal shape. Children who wear ortho-k lenses need regular visits to an optometrist for proper fitting and infection control.

More Outdoor Exposure

Outdoor exposure is not a treatment method but a step in managing myopia.
Introduce your child to real outdoor sports rather than just allowing them to play video games. Balancing outdoor exposure with screen time helps manage nearsightedness and promote eye health for children.

Consult With an Optometrist

Scheduling an eye exam for your child is a proactive step in identifying and managing any early signs of myopia. By consulting with a reputable optometrist, you will receive tailored recommendations for your child’s eye care needs. Find an eye doctor today and learn how you can maximize your child’s vision.