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Myopia Control in Kids

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, often starts during childhood. If you are nearsighted, there is a chance that your child will be as well. If your child's other parent is nearsighted, the chances of them being nearsighted are even higher.

It is not uncommon for a child's prescription to double and even triple in a short time due to the child's eye growth. While there is no cure for nearsightedness, there are ways to slow the progression during childhood. This will prevent your child from needing a very high prescription when they are older. Also, severe myopia can increase the child's risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. There are a few myopia control options for children available at Vision Source Castle Hills in San Antonio, TX.

Orthokeratology

This is a great option if your child's prescription is up to -6.00. The treatment involves having your child fit with custom contact lenses. These lenses would be worn during the night while your child sleeps and then removed in the morning. The lens is designed to temporarily correct the shape of the cornea, providing a clear vision in the morning. These lenses work similarly to the way that dental retainers work when the braces come off.

Another benefit of this myopia control method is that your child won't need to wear glasses during the day. Since children tend to break their glasses while playing or they lose their glasses, orthokeratology can save you time and money.

Atropine 0.01% Eye Drops

Atropine eye drops are often prescribed to control myopia a year after a child is diagnosed, and they should be used no longer than two years.

During comprehensive eye exams, your optometrist uses these drops in a higher concentration to dilate your eyes. In a lower concentration, studies have shown that atropine drops can slow the progression of myopia.

Soft Bifocal Contact Lenses

Soft bifocal contact lenses are prescribed for adults who suffer from presbyopia and need a prescription for both distance vision and close-up vision. These lenses can also be effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children. The center of the lenses correct distance vision, and the outer rim of the lenses correct close-up vision. When a child wears soft bifocal lenses, it can strengthen their eye muscles. Studies have shown that these lenses can slow the progression of myopia by 30 to 50 percent.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, it is essential that you speak with their pediatric eye doctor about treatment options to slow the progression of the condition. It is the best way to prevent complications in the future. Our optometrists at Vision Source Castle Hills in San Antonio can create an eye care plan to slow the progression of the condition. The sooner you begin treatment, the less severe your child's nearsightedness will be. You can call us at 210-988-9517 to schedule an appointment today!