Myopia Management for Kids: What It Is and Why Early Treatment Matters

Myopia is becoming increasingly common in children, and experts predict that nearly half of the world’s population may be myopic by 2050. While mild cases of myopia can often be managed with glasses, progressive or high myopia poses greater risks to long-term eye health.
 

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, also called nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. This happens when the eye grows too long from front to back or when the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, children with myopia often struggle to see the board at school, road signs, or objects across the room.
 

Why Is Myopia So Common?

The rates of myopia in children have been steadily increasing worldwide, and lifestyle factors play a big role. Kids today spend more time indoors on digital devices or reading and less time outdoors in natural light, which research shows can help slow the onset of myopia. Genetics are also a major factor - if one or both parents are nearsighted, their children are more likely to develop it. Together, these factors explain why myopia is so common and why early detection and management are more important than ever.
 

Early Detection Is Key

Children’s eyes are still developing, which means that myopia can progress rapidly if left unchecked. High levels of myopia not only make it difficult to see clearly but also increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Regular pediatric eye exams allow eye doctors to identify vision changes early, track progression, and recommend treatment options before the condition worsens.
 

Myopia Management Options

Fortunately, several effective treatments are available to help slow the progression of myopia in kids. At Eye-Site of Boynton Beach, we offer advanced solutions tailored to each child’s needs:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea, allowing kids to see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts while also helping to slow myopia progression.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops, used at bedtime, have been shown in studies to reduce the rate of myopia progression in children.

• MiSight® 1 day Contact Lenses: FDA-approved daily disposable contact lenses specifically designed for myopia management in children, providing both clear vision and proven results in slowing progression.

The earlier myopia management begins, the more effective it can be. By taking steps now, parents can help protect their child’s vision, reduce the risks associated with high myopia, and support healthy eye development.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam in Boynton Beach

At Eye-Site of Boynton Beach, we are dedicated to supporting families in Boynton Beach, Florida, and the surrounding areas by protecting children’s vision and eye health. With personalized options like Ortho-K, atropine eye drops, and MiSight® 1 day lenses, our team is here to guide and support your family every step of the way.

Schedule a pediatric eye exam at Eye-Site of Boynton Beach and learn more about our myopia management solutions for your child. Visit our office in Boynton Beach, Florida, or call (561) 738-0111 to book an appointment today.