Myopia Control in Kids
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a prevalent vision problem among kids in Oxford, NC. According to research, it affects about 5% of preschoolers and 9% of school-aged children. At New Century Ophthalmology, we treat vision problems in kids and parents in Raleigh and Oxford. Therefore, we know how important it is to prevent myopia progression in kids. Below are some tips for doing so.
Low-dose Atropine Eye Drops
Low doses of atropine eye drops can slow myopia progression when administered for 2-3 years. While it is unclear how these drops work, doctors suppose they prevent the eyes from lengthening too much. Typically, myopia worsens as the eye continues to lengthen. These drops can be used for kids aged between 5 and 18 each night at bedtime. However, the child might experience side effects like redness or itchiness around the eye.
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K, is a contact lens worn overnight to correct blurry distance vision during the day. The contact lenses flatten the cornea while the child sleeps. Come the next day, and the cornea will be reshaped, allowing light to pass through and fall precisely on the retina. Consequently, distant images appear clearer.
Unfortunately, Ortho-K is not a permanent solution. Once the child stops wearing the lenses, the cornea slowly reverts to its normal shape, and myopia returns. However, it can provide some permanent reduction in progression.
Peripheral Defocus Contact Lenses
Peripheral defocus lenses are special contact lenses that have different areas of focus. The center of the lens corrects the blurry distance vision, while the outer parts defocus the child’s peripheral vision. Blurring the side vision helps slow eye growth and control myopia. These lenses can be used on kids aged between 6 and 12. Notably, peripheral defocus contact lenses might not work for some kids. Be sure to discuss this option with an ophthalmologist.
Contact Our Eye Doctors in Raleigh and Oxford, NC
Apart from the tips we shared above, you can further slow down myopia progression in your child by improving their visual environment. An excellent place to start is to ensure they spend more time outdoors. Limiting the amount of time they spend on screens and books without breaks is also essential.
Talk to an eye doctor at New Century Ophthalmology to determine how much time your child should spend outdoors for myopia control. Check out our website for more resources about your child's eye care. Call our Raleigh office today at (919) 861-4494 or our Oxford office at (919) 693-6661.