If your child has recently been diagnosed with nearsightedness, also known as myopia, you may be wondering when you should start myopia management. Is it something to wait and watch? Or should you begin managing it now?
The earlier you start managing myopia, the better the outcome is likely to be. In this blog, we’ll explain why timing matters and how early intervention can protect your child’s long-term vision.
What is nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up things look clear. It usually begins in childhood and tends to worsen as kids get older and the eyeball continues to elongate.
Mild myopia might seem like a minor issue, especially if your child can wear glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. However, progressive myopia, when the prescription keeps increasing year after year, can raise the risk of serious eye conditions later in life. For example, children with progressive myopia have a higher risk of developing retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Early myopia management slows eye growth to help stabilize vision, minimizes the need for frequent prescription changes, and protects long-term eye health.
Signs that it’s time to start myopia management
If your child:
- Has recently been diagnosed with myopia
- Has a rapidly increasing prescription
- Spends a lot of time doing close-up work or using screens
- Has a family history of nearsightedness
…it’s time to talk to our eye doctor about a myopia management plan.
Myopia management at Spectrum Eye Care
At Spectrum Eye Care, we offer myopia management in North Colorado Springs, CO, to slow its progression and protect your child’s vision. One treatment option we offer is MiSight® 1 day contact lenses. These lenses are the first and only FDA-approved soft contact lenses proven to slow myopia progression in children aged 8–12 at the start of treatment. These lenses are easy to use, safe, and a great option for active kids who may not want to wear glasses all the time.
If your child is a suitable candidate for myopia control, we will recommend a specific treatment plan that best fits their needs. Dr. Caitlin A. Maciejewski, our myopia management specialist, will discuss your options in detail and monitor your child’s vision closely during follow-up visits to ensure optimal results.
For more information, schedule an appointment at our office in North Colorado Springs today.