Understanding Myopia: A Guide for Parents on Children’s Eye Health
Looking After Your Child’s Eye Health
As parents, we understand that the health and happiness of your children are our utmost priorities. Among the various concerns, their eyes hold significant importance. Visual impairment can hinder their pursuit of activities they truly enjoy.
Therefore, it is crucial for us, as dedicated eye care professionals, to keep you well-informed about potential eye issues, such as myopia or short sightedness.
Considering how rapidly children grow, it is essential to address the progression of myopia early on to prevent future eye health complications. If you suspect or notice signs of myopia in your child, rest assured that there are effective measures we can take to slow its advancement.
Take some time to explore the available options and make informed decisions regarding your child’s vision. Alternatively, you can simply proceed to book an eye exam with us today!
What is Myopia?
Myopia, or short sightedness, can lead to blurred vision when looking at distant objects. If your child is experiencing myopia, they may struggle with reading the whiteboard or watching their favourite TV show from a distance.
The primary cause of myopia is often attributed to the eye growing longer than it should. It is worth noting that if a family member has myopia, the chances of your child developing short sightedness are significantly higher.
What causes myopia?
There is a link to modern lifestyles with near-vision activities and increased screen time, but genetics also plays a huge part.
- More screen time
- less outside time.
- Educational demands
- Urbanisation
- Genetics
Is a family member myopic?
If so, do not hesitate to book an appointment today!
Myopia in children will be on the rise by 2050, 50% of the global population is predicted to be myopic.
How Could Myopia Affect Your Child?
Myopia has the potential to significantly impact the overall well-being of children, hindering their active involvement in school sports and various daily activities. Moreover, its progression can be notably rapid, especially among young children, thus emphasising the urgency of early intervention.
Neglecting treatment could result in severe complications later in life.
How to Spot Signs of Myopia in Your Child:
- Headaches
- Tired eyes
- Regularly rubbing eyes
- Needing to sit closer to screens
- Struggling top se in the classroom.
If you think your child is suffering from any of these symptoms, then they could be developing myopia, so it is best to act quickly and see one of our myopia experts.
Ever Wondered What it is Like to be Myopic?
For those who do not experience myopia first hand, it may be challenging to fully grasp the extent of its debilitating effects and its impact on your child’s daily life.
The following visual representations and simulated images aim to provide a genuine understanding of the scenes your myopic child encounters, allowing you to immerse yourself in their perspective.
Does Your Child Need Regular Eye Exams?
As your child celebrates each passing birthday, it is important to recognise that their eyes undergo continuous transformations as they mature. Regular eye examinations play a crucial role in identifying any alterations that may affect their vision, ensuring long-term eye health.
By effectively managing myopia through simple measures, your child can confidently pursue a multitude of thrilling endeavours in adulthood, whether it be excelling as a professional athlete, exploring the wonders of astronomy, or dedicating themselves to caring for others.
Tips and Tricks For Taking Care of Your Child’s Eyes!
- Going outdoors to play can keep myopia at bay. Being outside in the sunlight has a proactive effect against myopia.
- Try to incorporate a digital detox into your child’s weekly routine, reducing the screen time that can be harsh on their eyes.
- Sleep is important. Children need around nine hours of sleep a day, and a lack of sleep has been shown to contribute to higher levels of myopia.
- Encourage your child to hold books or devices at a distance; the same distance as the knuckles to the elbow is a good guide, as holding them too close can increase myopia by causing changes in the length of the eye.
- Not all contact lenses are equal; instead, opt for specialist contact lenses for children that not only provide the correct version but also help slow the worsening of myopia.
What Are The Options For Your Child?
In the event that your child has received a diagnosis of myopia, it is important to note that while their vision will indeed be improved with the use of regular glasses, these glasses alone will not impede the progression of myopia.
However, it is worth considering that there exist certain clinically proven alternatives that have shown efficacy in slowing down the advancement of myopia.
MySight One-Day Contact Lenses
- One day, soft contact lenses worn during the day.
- Ideal for active children
- Clinically proven for children, aged 8+
- Feel more competent when taking part in sports and other physical activities.
Myopia Control Glasses Lenses
- Worn during the day
- A good choice if your child diligently wears their glasses
- Ideal for younger children
Orthokeratology Contact Lenses
- Hard contact lenses worn overnight
- Lens-free during the day
- Ideal for children who frequently enjoy swimming and water sports where glasses and soft contact lenses might not be suitable.
Talk to Our Experts.
Are you confident in your decision to slow down the progression of your child’s myopia? Are you feeling assured about your choice to intervene? If you still have any doubts, we strongly advise you to consult our team of specialists today.
They possess extensive knowledge and can offer valuable guidance on whether MiSight 1-day contact lenses are a suitable option for your child. Engaging in a conversation about the advantages of managing myopia with MiSight 1 Day will assist you in making an educated decision. Please do not hesitate to contact us promptly.
Book an eye exam with us today!