Is your child squinting more often or complaining about difficulty seeing distant objects? If so, they might be experiencing myopia, a common eye condition known as nearsightedness. Myopia is increasingly prevalent in children, and addressing it early is essential for maintaining good eye health. Explore the reasons behind myopia progression in children and how you can help your child maintain their vision.
Causes of Myopia Progression
Several factors can contribute to the progression of your child’s myopia. Genetics plays a significant role as children with nearsighted parents are more likely to develop myopia. Various environmental factors can also impact child development, especially excessive screen time and a lack of outdoor activities. Prolonged close-up work can strain the eyes and contribute to myopia progression.
Signs Your Child’s Myopia May Be Worsening
If your child’s myopia worsens, you may notice some telltale signs like the following:
- Increased squinting as your child may be trying to see objects more clearly
- Frequent headaches resulting from eye strain
- Struggling with reading or seeing objects at a distance
- A need for stronger prescription glasses or contact lenses
How an Eye Doctor Can Help
Regular check-ups with an eye doctor ensure you can detect myopia progression early, making it easier to manage. Your eye doctor can suggest prescription glasses or contact lenses to improve your child’s vision. In some cases, they may recommend orthokeratology. This non-surgical procedure involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. If necessary, your eye doctor may also refer you to a low-vision specialist in Greencastle, PA.
Preventative Measures for Myopia Progression
There are steps you can take to help prevent or slow down the progression of your child’s myopia.
- Encourage outdoor activities. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can help slow down myopia progression.
- Limit screen time. Ensure your child takes regular breaks from digital devices to reduce eye strain.
- Set up their workspace properly. Proper lighting and ergonomic positioning will help minimize strain on your child’s eyes.
If you are concerned about your child’s myopia or need an eye doctor in Shippensburg, PA, contact Joel H McGahen OD at (717) 264-4012. You can also fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. We provide various treatments and solutions for myopia and offer contact lenses in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.
