Pediatric Myopia (Nearsightedness) – Important Facts for Parents to Know

Myopia (nearsightedness) is actually the most common type of refractive problem among children. According to the Boston Children’s Hospital, myopia may actually affect as many as one in five children. Essentially, if your child has myopia, it means that your child can see things better when they are close to their eyes and may have problems seeing things from a distance. Here are a few things you may want to know if your child has been diagnosed with myopia by a Coldwater eye doctor.

How is myopia treated in children?

Refractive errors like myopia generally call for either prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses to alter how the eye uses light to focus, which can enhance visual quality. Therefore, glasses tend to be the most common treatment for myopia in younger children and contacts may become an option as the child gets older.

Can myopia get worse as the child gets older?

Myopia is a refractive error that is rarely ever present early in a child’s life. Usually, the problem begins to develop as the child grows, and is most often diagnosed around 9 or 10 years old. Myopia can get worse over the years, but it is more common for the condition to somewhat ‘level off’ or stop progressing at a certain point. If myopia seems to continue to progress beyond adolescence, your child may have what is referred to as progressive myopia, which can be a serious optometric condition that should be closely monitored with the help of an eye doctor.

Can pediatric myopia be completely cured?

Pediatric myopia is most often a lifelong condition. The condition is considered genetic in nature, so myopia may have more to do with how the eye grows than anything else. Children with myopia may eventually be candidates for laser eye surgery to correct the refractive error.

Work with a Coldwater, MS Eye Doctor for Pediatric Eye Conditions

As a parent, being attentive to vision issues that can affect your child is ever-important. If you suspect that your child has myopia or if your child is due for a vision checkup, reach out to us at Coldwater Vision Center in Coldwater, MS to schedule an appointment.