Myopia Management

One of the most common vision concerns in children today is myopia (nearsightedness), which can affect how well they see the board at school, participate in sports, and engage in everyday activities. At Generations Family Eyecare, Dr. Poly De La Garza and her team are committed to helping children achieve their best vision and eye health.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error where close objects are clear, but distant objects appear blurry. This occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often develops during childhood and tends to progress as the child grows.

Today’s kids are spending more time on near-focused activities and less time outdoors in natural light. This prolonged close-up work, combined with reduced exposure to daylight, is believed to contribute to the eye growing longer than normal, which causes nearsightedness. Genetics can also influence a child’s risk; if one or both parents are myopic, their children are more likely to develop the condition.

The Impact of Myopia on Learning and Academics

Clear vision is essential for classroom learning, reading the board, participating in sports, and using digital devices effectively. Even mild myopia can make it difficult for children to see distant objects clearly, leading to frustration, reduced concentration, and lower academic performance. Since so much of a child’s learning depends on visual input, untreated myopia can have long-term effects on their educational success.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Myopia

Parents should watch for signs that may indicate their child is developing myopia, such as:

• Squinting to see distant objects

• Sitting too close to the television or holding books very near to the face

• Complaints of blurry distance vision

• Frequent headaches or eye strain

• Difficulty seeing the board at school
  
  

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an eye exam promptly to determine the cause.

The Importance of Regular Pediatric Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are one of the most effective ways to detect myopia early. Children’s vision can change rapidly, and without regular monitoring, myopia may progress unnoticed. Dr. De La Garza uses advanced diagnostic technology to detect changes in your child’s vision and eye health, allowing for early intervention and more effective management.

What Is Myopia Management and Why Is It Important?

Myopia management is a specialized approach designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. This is important because higher levels of myopia are associated with a greater risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Myopic maculopathy

By slowing myopia progression during childhood, we can help reduce these risks and protect long-term eye health.

Myopia Management Strategies

At Generations Family Eyecare, we offer several evidence-based myopia management treatments, including:

• Atropine Eye Drops - Low-dose atropine drops, used daily, have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) - Specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts.

• MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses - FDA-approved soft contact lenses specifically designed for myopia control, providing both vision correction and myopia management benefits.

• Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses - Specialized lenses with different focus zones that can help slow myopia progression while correcting vision.
  
  

Protect Your Child’s Vision at Generations Family Eyecare

Myopia is a growing public health concern that can affect your child’s academic performance, daily life, and long-term eye health. With early detection and a personalized management plan, we can help slow the progression of myopia and protect your child’s vision for years to come.

If you suspect your child may have myopia, schedule a pediatric eye exam with Generations Family Eyecare in Houston today. Together, we can take proactive steps to ensure your child’s vision stays clear and healthy.