Frequently Asked Questions on Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error affecting your distant vision. Those with myopia have difficulty seeing images or objects at a distance without using glasses or contacts. Myopia is a growing problem in children, with symptoms worsening as children enter their teen years. These myopia questions explain more about myopia causes, symptoms, and options for treatment.
What are some symptoms of childhood myopia?
Myopia occurs when children’s eyes grow too quickly, making them longer than normal front to back. Or when their cornea curves too steeply, keeping light from fully reaching the eye's retina. The following are some signs your child may be having trouble with myopia:
- Sitting very close to screens
- Squinting when looking at objects at a distance
- Holding books close to their face
- Little interest in sports due to poor distance vision
How is myopia treated?
Although there is no cure for myopia, you can often manage the symptoms by wearing prescription eyeglasses or contacts, using atropine eye drops, or undergoing orthokeratology (ortho-K) treatment.
What is the ortho-K treatment?
Children who undergo ortho-K treatment wear specialized contact lenses while they sleep at night. These lenses gradually reshape the curvature of the cornea of your child’s eye, so light can focus properly on the retina and improve their sight. Wearing ortho-K contacts all night improves vision during the day. The longer the contacts are worn, the more your child’s vision improves until they don’t need eyeglasses to enjoy optimal sight.
How long do the effects of ortho-K last?
Some children enjoy good vision all day after wearing ortho-K lenses at night. Some children can obtain quality vision for several days after wearing the contacts every other night. By working closely with your Kirkland, WA, optometrist for ortho-K treatment, your child can obtain optimal visual results. Yet, the results of ortho-K are not permanent. Once your child stops wearing the contacts, their vision will return to how it was.
See Our Kirkland, WA, Optometrist for Myopia Management
Studies show that ortho-K treatment can reduce myopia progression in children by 50%. Therefore, this treatment would be a worthwhile investment for your child’s eyesight. In addition, you'll see your child's personality flourish with more opportunities available to them.
To learn more about ortho-K myopia management treatment, contact Eye and Contact Lens Center in Kirkland, WA, at (425) 822-8204.