If your child struggles to see things far away, like the whiteboard at school or the scoreboard at their soccer game, myopia (commonly known as nearsightedness) might be to blame. And if their prescription seems to get stronger every year, it’s important to take action. Myopia is becoming more common in kids, and without intervention, it tends to get worse over time.
Myopia makes distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision stays clear. Fortunately, there are ways to slow down myopia and protect your child’s future vision. Myopia management slows the progression of nearsightedness, reducing the risk of severe vision problems in the future.
Why early intervention is crucial
You know how kids seem to outgrow their shoes overnight? Their eyes grow, too, and if your child has myopia, their vision can change quickly. That’s why early detection is key! The American Optometric Association recommends eye exams between six and twelve months old, another between three and five years old, and once more before starting first grade.¹ After that, they should see a pediatric eye doctor once a year. These check-ups help us catch myopia early and start managing it before it worsens.
Higher prescriptions aren’t just an inconvenience—they also increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, like glaucoma or retinal detachment. Taking action early can help slow myopia progression and protect your child’s future vision and eye health.
When should you start myopia management?
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, the best time to start managing it is now. Myopia tends to progress rapidly during childhood and adolescence, and the sooner we start treatment, the better chance we have of slowing it down. That means fewer prescription changes and a lower risk of future eye health problems.
What are the best myopia management options?
Glasses and traditional contact lenses help kids see clearly, but they don’t slow myopia progression. Fortunately, there are proven treatments that do. At The Optics Group clinics in Mt. Pleasant, Carson City, Alma, State Street, St. Louis, Calumet, and Oscoda, we offer myopia control contact lenses designed to not only correct vision but also slow myopia progression. These lenses are a great choice for kids who prefer contact lenses over glasses, offering clear vision while helping to protect their long-term eye health.
These advanced contact lenses use specialized optical designs to reduce the strain that contributes to myopia progression. Unlike standard contact lenses that simply provide clear distance vision, myopia management lenses create a treatment effect that signals the eye to slow its growth. This can help reduce the risk of high myopia and more serious eye conditions later in life.
Prevent high myopia before it starts
Our experts offer customized myopia management in Central Michigan, Northern Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula, tailored to your child’s needs. If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, we will help you find the best treatment to keep their vision as clear and healthy as possible.
Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about myopia management. The sooner we start, the better the results!
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