Nearsightedness

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition where objects up close appear clearly, while those far away are blurry. It occurs when the shape of your eye causes light rays to focus incorrectly on your retina instead of directly on it.

The prevalence of myopia in children has been increasing globally at an alarming rate, especially in developed countries like ours. This is often attributed to factors such as near work (like reading and using digital devices), reduced time spent outdoors, and even genetics. Some studies suggest that up to 50% of the world's population may be nearsighted by 2050 if current trends continue.

At Vision World Bay Shore, we are committed to helping slow down this trend through early detection and effective management strategies for myopia in children.

While only a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist can confirm your child's vision prescription, there are some signs you can look out for at home:

• Squinting or closing one eye to see clearly
• Sitting close to the television or holding books too near their face when reading
• Frequently rubbing their eyes or complaining about headaches, especially after prolonged near work
• Difficulty seeing distant objects, like a chalkboard at school or street signs

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to schedule an eye exam with our team at Vision World Bay Shore. Early detection and treatment can help manage your child's myopia more effectively.

According to the American Optometric Association, infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. Following this initial exam, children should continue to have routine eye exams at least every two years until they reach school age, and then annually thereafter.

Early detection of vision problems is crucial for ensuring that your child's eyes develop normally and that any issues are treated promptly. Our optometrists at Vision World Bay Shore are experienced in working with children and can make the eye exam process fun and stress-free for them.

During a comprehensive eye exam, our optometrists will perform several tests to diagnose myopia. Some of these tests include:

• Visual acuity test: Using an eye chart to measure how well your child can see at various distances
• Refractive error assessment: Determining the power of corrective lenses needed to focus light properly on your child's retina
• Retinal exam with dilating drops: To examine the back of your child's eye for any signs of damage or disease

The results of these tests will help us determine if your child has myopia and, if so, how severe it is.

There are several treatment options available to manage myopia progression in children. Our optometrists at Vision World Bay Shore may recommend one or a combination of the following:

• Eyeglasses: Prescription lenses can help correct your child's refractive error and improve their vision
• Contact lenses: Soft contact lenses can be an effective alternative to glasses for some children
• Orthokeratology (ortho-k): Special overnight rigid gas permeable contact lenses reshape the cornea temporarily, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts
• Myopia control treatments: Specialized contact lenses or eye drops designed to slow down the progression of myopia in children

We will work with you and your child to determine the best treatment plan based on their individual needs and lifestyle.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent myopia, research has shown that the following strategies may help reduce your child's risk of developing it or slow down its progression:

• Encourage outdoor play: Spend at least 90 minutes a day outdoors, as natural light can help slow down eye growth and prevent nearsightedness
• Limit near work: Encourage your child to take frequent breaks from close-up activities like reading and using digital devices. Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Regular eye exams: Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams with our optometrists to monitor your child's vision development and detect any issues early

Additionally, if your child is already nearsighted, working with us on a myopia management plan can help slow down the progression of their condition.

A routine eye exam for children at Vision World Bay Shore typically includes several tests and assessments to evaluate your child's vision, eye health, and overall well-being. Some of the things we may do include:

• Checking visual acuity: Measuring how well your child can see at various distances using an eye chart
• Assessing refractive error: Determining if your child needs corrective lenses to focus light properly on their retina
• Evaluating eye teaming and focusing skills: Ensuring that both eyes work together and maintain clear vision at different distances
• Examining the health of the front part of the eye: Checking for any signs of disease or damage, such as cataracts or corneal abnormalities
• Dilating the pupils: Administering eyedrops to temporarily widen the pupils, allowing our optometrists to examine the back of your child's eye more closely

We make every effort to create a fun and stress-free environment for children during their eye exams.

Regular eye exams are crucial for ensuring that your child's vision develops normally and that any issues are detected early. Some reasons why routine eye exams are so important include:

• Early detection of vision problems: Many vision issues, such as myopia, can be managed more effectively when caught early
• Monitoring eye health: Regular exams allow our optometrists to track your child's eye health and detect any potential issues before they become serious
• Improved academic performance: Undetected or untreated vision problems can lead to difficulty in school, affecting your child's learning and grades
• Enhanced quality of life: Good vision is essential for many daily activities, such as playing sports, reading, and socializing with peers

At Vision World Bay Shore, we believe that regular eye exams are an integral part of your child's overall health care.

In most cases, myopia itself does not lead to permanent vision loss. However, it can increase the risk of developing other eye conditions that may result in vision loss if left untreated:

• Retinal detachment: A serious condition where the retina pulls away from its normal position at the back of the eye, potentially leading to blindness
• Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high pressure within the eye, and can lead to peripheral vision loss and blindness
• Maculopathy: Damage or degeneration of the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, which can result in blurred or distorted vision

While myopia itself may not cause permanent vision loss, it's essential to manage it effectively to minimize the risk of developing these other conditions. Our optometrists at Vision World Bay Shore will work with you and your child to create a personalized treatment plan for their myopia.

Between regular eye exams, there are several ways you can support your child's eye health at home:

• Encourage a healthy diet: Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, can help maintain good eye health. These nutrients can be found in leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• Limit screen time: Reduce your child's exposure to digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, and encourage frequent breaks using the 20-20-20 rule
• Schedule regular eye exams: Keep up with your child's recommended eye exam schedule to ensure any vision issues are detected early and managed effectively
• Be aware of potential eye injuries: Make sure your child wears appropriate protective eyewear when playing sports or engaging in activities that pose a risk to their eyes

By taking these steps, you can help support your child's overall eye health and vision development.