Does Myopia Worsen with Age?

As cases of childhood myopia continue to increase, many parents are beginning to worry. They wonder about the long-term repercussions of the eye condition. Contrary to many opinions, myopia is not a simple condition of the eyes fixed with glasses. What you might not realize is that every time you get new glasses for your child, myopia has progressed in his or her eyes. Nearsightedness can harm your child’s sight over time.

Understanding Myopia

The fact is that myopia progresses and worsens with age. It is crucial for parents to take action early enough to protect their children’s sight in the future. This eye condition occurs when the eyeball elongates horizontally. This results in light focusing in front of the retina as opposed to focusing on it directly. This results in objects at a distance appearing blurry. The cause of myopia is not known, but many experts point to genetics as playing a significant role.

Child Development Process

The eyes grow at the same rate the body does. This means that the eye elongation stops in early adulthood as the growth of the body halts. There are periods in a child’s development where growth spurts are prevalent. During these spurts, the child will often require a higher lens prescription. Myopia usually begins in childhood and continues on through the school-age years. In most cases, the condition stabilizes during the late teen years.

Why Parents Should Care

Parents should be concerned about the progression of myopia. Children who suffer from myopia are far more predisposed to conditions that could blind them later in life. These include:

• Cataracts.

• Glaucoma.

• Macular degeneration.

• Retinal detachment.
   

Fast-developing myopia places children at an even higher risk of developing eye disease. It is essential for parents to seek early treatment for their kids. This can help to slow myopic progression.

Slowing Myopia Progression

According to studies, changes in a myopic child’s prescription can drastically increase their chance of developing myopic maculopathy, a known cause of blindness and vision impairment. Fortunately, research has shown that it is possible to slow down the progression of myopia. In some cases, it can even be stopped.

Options for Myopic Management

There are several options available for myopic management. Using the latest treatments, eye specialists can help to control childhood myopia. Effective treatment ensures that your child has a good chance of maintaining a healthy vision now and in the future. There are several methods of management that parents may research and choose from, all of which have successfully impeded myopic progression, including:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K).

• Atropine eye drops.

• Specialty contacts.

• Multifocal glasses.

If your child is having difficulties with his or her sight, it is a good idea to schedule an eye appointment immediately. Needing a higher eyeglass or contact solution is not a solution to your child’s degenerating vision. In fact, it is a symptom of underlying myopia. Talk to an eye specialist about myopia control options. Treating myopia early reduces your child’s chances of developing severe eye conditions.

To know more about myopia, visit Advanced Eyecare Consultants at our offices in Libertyville or Lake Zurich, Illinois. You can also call (847) 994-4500 or (847) 438-7700 to book an appointment today.