Overview
Children myopia management focuses on addressing nearsightedness (myopia) in young individuals to reduce its progression. It involves various strategies to slow down the elongation of the eyeball, which contributes to myopia advancement.
Cause of Myopia in Children
- Genetics
- Too much near-sighted work
- Insufficient time spent outdoor
Why Should We Manage Our Children's Myopia
Myopia can increase the risk of eye complication such as cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment and macular degeneration. Managing children myopia can slow down the eye growth and limit the degree of nearsightedness. Managing children myopia can help children have better vision and prevent future eye problems.
Methods to Manage Myopia in Children
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops: Low dose Atropine eye drops generally slows myopic progression by 60%. Atropine 0.01% to 0.05% has been shown to have minimal side effects in children who were 4 to 12 years of age at the start of treatment.
Peripheral Defocus Lenses: These lenses modify peripheral vision to influence eye growth and potentially slow myopia progression.
Regular Eye Exams: Monitoring a child’s vision and myopia progression through routine eye examinations is essential for adjusting the management approach as needed.
Lifestyle Change: These include making sure the child spends more time outdoors, limiting screen time on computers or other digital devices, and taking regular breaks from near work. These habits may help to reduce the risk of developing or worsening myopia.
Myopic Control Glasses: Myopia control glasses slow the elongation of the eye by creating peripheral myopic defocus. Studies show that the new designs of myopic control glasses (DIMS) can reduce myopia progression by more than 60%. Certain studies had indicated that the combined use of both Athropine and DIMS lenses were effective in managing myopia.
Peripheral Defocus Contact Lenses: These lenses are specifically targeted and designed for slowing the progression of myopia in children. These lenses are generally daily disposables, hence the chances of eye infections are low.
Myopia management aims to not only improve current vision but also decrease the risk of high myopia, which is associated with a higher risk of eye diseases later in life. The specific approach can vary based on the child’s age, the degree of myopia, and individual factors, and it should be discussed with an eye care professional specializing in pediatric optometry or myopia management.
