Understanding Myopia: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Myopia is a common vision condition that affects millions of people worldwide. If your child has trouble seeing distant objects clearly, myopia may be the cause. Fortunately, advances in eye care have led to several effective treatments that can slow its progression and improve vision.
 

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the shape of the eye causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision, making it difficult to see objects clearly at a distance.
 

Several factors contribute to the development and progression of myopia. One significant factor is genetics—if one or both parents have myopia, their child has a higher likelihood of developing the condition.
 

Environmental factors also play a role. Increased screen time, excessive near-work activities, and limited outdoor exposure have been linked to a higher prevalence of myopia, particularly in children. Prolonged focus on close objects without sufficient breaks can strain the eyes and contribute to myopia progression.
 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Myopia

Myopia typically begins in childhood and can worsen as the eye continues to grow. Common symptoms include:

• Blurry vision when looking at distant objects

• Squinting to see more clearly

• Frequent headaches due to eye strain

• Difficulty seeing the board at school or road signs while driving

• Holding books or digital devices too close to the eyes
   

If your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam is essential for early detection and treatment.
 

Effective Solutions for Managing Myopia

At Advanced Eyecare Consultants, we offer cutting-edge treatments to help manage myopia and prevent further vision deterioration. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is a non-surgical treatment that involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, allowing for clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts. Ortho-K is particularly beneficial for children and teenagers, as it has been shown to slow the progression of myopia.
 

Low-dose atropine drops have been found to significantly slow myopia progression in children. These prescription eye drops work by relaxing the eye’s focusing mechanisms, reducing strain and controlling elongation of the eyeball. Atropine therapy is often used in combination with other treatments for optimal results.
 

Multifocal contact lenses have also been adapted to help slow myopia progression. These lenses provide different focusing zones that help reduce eye strain and slow eye elongation. Studies have shown that children who wear soft multifocal lenses experience a slower progression of myopia compared to those who wear standard single-vision lenses.
 

Take Control of Myopia Today

Managing myopia effectively can protect long-term eye health and reduce the risk of complications like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts later in life. If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, we are here to help with personalized treatment plans designed to preserve and enhance vision.
 

Schedule an eye exam with Advanced Eyecare Consultants to discuss the best myopia management solutions. Visit our office in Libertyville or Lake Zurich, Illinois. Please call (847) 994-4500 or (847) 438-7700 to book an appointment today.