Taking care of your child’s vision is a top priority as a parent. If your child has been diagnosed with myopia (nearsightedness), you might be wondering when it’s time to start myopia management. Myopia can worsen as your child grows, but the good news is that there are ways to slow its progression and protect their vision. Let’s talk about when to start managing myopia and how TrueVision Eye Care in Raleigh can help! 

What is myopia, and why is it important to manage it? 

Myopia is a condition where objects far away look blurry while things up close are seen clearly. It often develops during childhood and tends to worsen as kids grow. One concern with myopia is that it can lead to more serious eye problems in the future, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma. That’s why it’s important to catch it early and manage it effectively. 

When should myopia management start? 

In short, the sooner the better! If your child is showing signs of myopia, or if they’ve already been diagnosed, it’s important to start treatment as quickly as possible. Myopia usually begins between the ages of 6 and 12, but some kids can develop it even earlier. The key is to start managing it early to help slow down its progression and reduce the risk of more severe issues in the future. 

How can I tell if my child has myopia? 

It’s not always obvious right away, but there are a few signs of myopia to watch out for: 

• Squinting to see distant objects like the whiteboard at school or the TV at home 
• Sitting unusually close to screens or holding books very close to their face 
• Complaining of headaches or tired eyes 
• Difficulty seeing clearly outdoors or while playing sports 

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam. Early detection of myopia means you can start managing it right away, leading to better results in the long run. 

Myopia management options at TrueVision Eye Care 

At TrueVision Eye Care, we offer several effective options to help slow down myopia progression in children. After evaluating your child’s vision, our Raleigh eye doctor will recommend the best option based on their specific needs. Here’s what we offer: 

• Atropine eye drops: These low-dose drops have been proven to slow down the progression of myopia. They’re simple to use and can be a great choice for kids who aren’t quite ready for contact lenses. 
• Ortho-k (orthokeratology): Ortho-k involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to gently reshape the cornea. This allows your child to see clearly during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. It’s a great solution for active kids who don’t want to wear lenses while playing sports or during other activities. Ortho-k has also been shown to slow down the progression of myopia, making it a fantastic long-term solution for your child’s vision. 
• MiSight® multifocal contact lenses: MiSight® lenses are FDA-approved specifically for myopia control in children. These contacts are worn during the day and correct vision while also slowing down myopia progression. They’re an excellent option for kids who are comfortable wearing contacts. 

If your child has been diagnosed with myopia or you suspect they may need vision correction, it’s time to consider myopia management. The earlier you start, the better the chance of slowing its progression and protecting their future eye health. 

At TrueVision Eye Care, we offer myopia management in Raleigh and will help you find the right solution for your child’s eyesight. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about our myopia management options.