Myopia, also referred to as nearsightedness, is a common vision impairment that affects a person’s ability to see at a far distance. Patients with myopia can see close objects clearly but have difficulty seeing movies or billboards. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, the eye doctors at EyeOptics Optometry Center in Elk Grove, CA, are here to discuss the facts you need to know about myopia control.

The Crucial Facts About Myopia Control

1. Heredity Is a Risk Factor for Myopia

Myopia has a genetic predisposition, which means if a parent or relative has it, your child has a greater chance of developing this condition. However, the exact cause is not certain, which is why every child should have routine eye exams regardless of their family tree.

2. Detecting Myopia Early is Important

The key to myopia control is early detection. Myopia is a progressive condition, which means the longer you wait to get your child’s eyes tested, the longer their vision impairment may go undetected. It’s important to be aware of tell-tale symptoms, such as headaches, squinting, and sitting too close to the television.

3. Treatment Can Slow the Progression of Myopia

The goal of the Myopia Control Clinic at EyeOptics is to not only correct your child’s vision, but to use an integrated treatment system to slow down how quickly their prescription increases. One type of treatment our office offers is Corneal Reshaping Therapy.
 

Corneal Reshaping Therapy (also commonly known as orthokeratology, Ortho K, corneal shaping, and corneal molding) uses customized lenses designed to correct nearsightedness. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while sleeping. When the child wakes up in the morning, the lenses are removed, and he or she can enjoy clear vision all day long without glasses or contact lenses. Recent studies have shown that corneal reshaping lenses can slow down or even stabilize the progression of nearsightedness in children.
 

If you are worried about your child’s nearsightedness worsening, please ask your optometrist about myopia control at your child’s regular eye exam or schedule a consultation with our office. After careful evaluation, your optometrist will determine the best treatment plan for your child’s myopia.

To learn more about myopia control or treatments for other types of vision impairments affecting your day-to-day life, it’s important to see a doctor at least once a year for an eye exam. For the leading optometrist in Elk Grove, CA, turn to the team at EyeOptics Optometry Center. Contact them today at (916) 684-6688 or visit their website for more information about their full list of services.