Do you have a nearsighted child?

Myopia (Nearsightedness) Management Options can help.

For the parents who have a nearsighted child whose prescription seems to be changing every year, this is for you. New treatments are available to slow these changes. The long-term benefits to slowing this progression include less thick glasses, less dependence on glasses or contacts, greater likelihood of qualifying for LASIK surgery later. It even lowers the incidence of many eye diseases and conditions like retinal detachments, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts as you get older.

One of the reasons nearsightedness is more prevalent now is because our world has changed, and children don’t spend as much time outdoors in natural light. This causes the eye to adapt to our new surroundings, and become more nearsighted, as our distance vision gets blurrier. One of the new treatments available is a special design of contact lens. This lens focuses light differently and causes the eye to respond by slowing down how quickly it changes. With help from a parent, even younger children can wear these lenses and reduce their future risk of eye disease. Other options are also available.

Myopia management is not a cure for nearsightedness, but it can be a valuable tool for maintaining good vision and protecting long-term eye health. Children should have their first eye exam between 6 months and 12 months of age. Call Plainfield Eye Care today at (317) 839-2368 for an appointment!