If you’ve noticed your child squinting while watching TV, holding books close to their face, or complaining of headaches, it’s natural to worry. Parents want their kids to have every advantage possible in learning and daily life, and good vision is one of them.
If your child is at risk of developing nearsightedness, also called myopia, regular comprehensive eye exams are essential. The earlier our eye doctors detect myopia, the sooner we can recommend myopia control in Blue Island to help slow its progression. In this blog, we’ll cover why eye exams are important, how myopia develops, and the treatment options that can protect your child’s vision.
Why myopia is a concern for kids
Myopia isn’t just about needing glasses or contact lenses to see the board at school. It’s a condition where the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This makes distant objects appear blurry, while close-up vision stays clear.
The concern is that myopia often progresses as kids grow, a condition known as progressive myopia. Progressive myopia can lead to stronger prescriptions year after year and an increased risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as:
- Retinal detachment – when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, which can cause permanent vision loss
- Glaucoma – a condition that damages the optic nerve, often linked to increased eye pressure
- Cataracts – clouding of the eye’s natural lens that can blur and distort vision
- Myopic macular degeneration – a condition where the central retina wears down, leading to vision loss
The role of regular eye exams for kids
A comprehensive eye exam allows our eye doctors in Blue Island to detect early signs of myopia and track changes over time. Unlike a quick school vision screening, these exams look at eye health, check how the eyes are working together, and measure whether the eyes are growing too quickly. Early detection means treatments can be started sooner, giving your child a better chance at stable, healthier vision.
Treatment options for myopia control
There isn’t just one solution for managing myopia. At our office, we tailor treatment to your child’s vision needs, lifestyle, and how quickly their myopia is progressing. Options for myopia management include:
- Orthokeratology (ortho-k) – Special contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision the next day without glasses or daytime contacts and slowing myopia progression.
- Multifocal contact lenses – Soft contact lenses that provide clear vision while helping to slow eye growth.
- MiSight contact lenses – The first FDA-approved daily disposable contact lens proven to slow myopia progression in children ages 8–12 at the start of treatment.
- Low-dose atropine eye drops – A simple, effective option that helps control myopia progression while your child sleeps.
The benefits of myopia management
With effective myopia management, kids can enjoy clearer vision now while reducing the risks of high myopia in the future. That means less squinting in class, fewer struggles with sports or outdoor play, and more confidence overall. Parents can feel reassured knowing they’re giving their child the best chance at healthier eyes long term.
Protect your child’s future eyesight
It can be stressful to see your child struggle with blurry vision, but regular eye exams and the right treatment plan can help. Myopia control helps protect their vision today and supports their eye health for the future.
Call our office or fill out our online appointment request form to explore the myopia management options available.
