Understanding Myopia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for Children and Adults

Myopia is a common vision condition affecting people of all ages. When myopia is present, distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. With the rising prevalence of myopia, especially among children, it's crucial to understand its causes, symptoms, and the available treatment options for both children and adults.

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia develops when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This leads to blurred distance vision. Factors contributing to myopia include:

•          Genetics: Myopia tends to run in families, so children with myopic parents are at a higher risk.

•          Environmental Factors: Spending long hours on close-up activities like reading or screen use, and limited time outdoors, can increase the risk of developing myopia, especially in children.

Common Symptoms of Myopia

Common signs and symptoms of myopia include:

•          Blurred Distance Vision: Objects far away may appear fuzzy or out of focus.

•          Eye Strain: Squinting or straining to see clearly, especially during activities like watching TV or driving.

•          Headaches: Persistent eye strain can lead to headaches.

•          Difficulty in School or Work: Children may have trouble seeing the board in school, while adults may struggle with driving or other tasks requiring clear distance vision.

If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an eye exam for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Myopia

Fortunately, various treatment options are available to manage and slow the progression of myopia. At Family Eye Care Center of Atlanta, we offer a range of treatments to meet each individual's needs.

Atropine eye drops are often prescribed in low doses to slow myopia progression, especially in children. These drops relax the eye's focusing muscles, reducing the stimulus for myopia to worsen. While atropine does not eliminate myopia, it can help keep the condition from progressing rapidly, making it an effective management option for younger patients.

Multifocal contact lenses are designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances, and they have been found effective in slowing myopia progression in children and young adults. These lenses work by altering the way light enters the eye, which helps to reduce eye strain and can slow myopic changes over time.

MiSight® is a specific type of multifocal contact lens approved by the FDA to slow the progression of myopia in children. These daily disposable lenses are designed for comfort and easy handling, making them ideal for younger wearers. Clinical studies have shown that MiSight® lenses can effectively reduce the progression of myopia over several years.

Ortho-K involves wearing specialized gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, correcting myopia temporarily so you can see clearly throughout the day without needing glasses or contact lenses. This non-surgical option is ideal for children, teens, and adults who want freedom from daytime eyewear and helps control myopia progression.

Optimizing Your Vision and Eye Health at Family Eye Care Center of Atlanta

If you or your child has been diagnosed with myopia, proactive steps can make a significant difference in vision health. Spending more time outdoors, limiting screen time, and scheduling regular eye exams are essential practices to help manage and monitor myopia progression. We are here to help you explore the most effective treatment options for myopia, customized to suit the needs of both children and adults.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Family Eye Care Center of Atlanta and take the first step toward managing myopia for a lifetime of clearer vision. Visit our office Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia, or call (404) 905-1400 to book an appointment today.