Myopia Management

What is MYOPIA?

Sometimes referred to as "nearsightedness", myopia causes blur to distance vision due to an elongated eyeball.  

Why should I care if my child is developing Myopia? 

There are long-term heath implications associated with myopia, including RETINAL TEARS, RETINAL DETACHMENTS, GLAUCOMA and EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF CATARACTS. 

What causes Myopia?

Myopia can be due to genetics.  

1 in 2 Children are at risk of developing Myopia if BOTH parents are myopic.  

1 in 3 Children are at risk of developing Myopia if ONE parent is myopic.

1 in 4 Children are at risk of developing Myopia if NEITHER parent is myopic.

Lifestyle is another risk factor.   Children that spend a lot of time on near vision activities, (reading books or reading on electronic devices, and gaming on tablets).

To reduce the risk research suggest: 

Spending time OUTDOORS, roughly 2 hours per day has been found to be beneficial.  

Holding reading material and tablets at least 12 in from their face.

As well as spending LESS THAN 2 hours a day reading or gaming on tablets.  

How do I know if my child has myopia or if my child is at risk for developing myopia?

Schedule them for an eye exam with an optometrist.  Their annual eye exam will determine if they have myopia or are at an increased risk for developing myopia.  

Keep in mind, as your child is growing SO ARE THEIR EYEBALLS.  Their eyes are a GROWING and CHANGING ORGAN, and is the reason Dr. Kristin Doyle recommends annual eye exams for your little ones.  A majority of myopia occurs between the ages of 6-17. 

Signs to watch for in your child:

Squinting

Eye rubbing

And difficulty paying attention in class.  

What if my child has myopia or is at risk for developing myopia?

WE HAVE MYOPIA TREATMENTS NOW!  That is correct!  We can actually slow the steep decline of myopia to reduce the risk of your child developing RETINAL TEARS, RETINAL DETACHMENTS, GLAUCOMA and EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF CATARACTS in their adult years.

The FDA has approved a DAILY DISPOSABLE CONTACT LENS to control the progression of myopia, while providing your child with clear comfortable vision.  Your child will experience CLEAR VISION & MYOPIA TREATMENT with 1 device.  

Dr. Kristin Doyle is THRILLED to offer this treatment to her younger patients. 

Give us a call 941-365-5606 or Schedule Online to find out of this treatment is right for your child.