Myopia management refers to strategies and treatments designed to slow down the progression of myopia (nearsightedness), especially in children and teenagers. Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry because light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. It is becoming increasingly common worldwide, and high levels of myopia can lead to serious eye health risks, such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, or macular degeneration, later in life.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common refractive errors in children, and its prevalence is rising worldwide. This condition makes it difficult to see objects clearly at a distance, while near vision often remains unaffected. If left unmanaged, myopia can progress over time, leading to higher prescriptions and increasing the risk of serious eye health conditions like glaucoma, retinal detachment, and myopic maculopathy in adulthood.
At Adelaide City Optometrist, we’re passionate about helping families protect their children’s vision. Our dedicated eye doctor, Loucia Calder, specialises in children’s vision and myopia management, providing tailored solutions to slow the progression of myopia and ensure your child has the best chance for lifelong eye health.
What Causes Myopia in Children?
Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long, or the cornea becomes overly curved. These structural changes cause light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry distance vision. While genetics play a significant role, environmental factors such as increased screen time, prolonged near work (like reading or studying), and reduced outdoor activities are also contributing to the rising rates of myopia.
Without proper intervention, myopia can worsen during childhood and adolescence as the eye continues to grow. Early detection and treatment are key to slowing its progression and minimising long-term complications.
Signs Your Child May Have Myopia
It can be challenging for children to recognise or communicate vision problems, so parents should be alert to these common signs of myopia:
- Struggling to see the whiteboard or distant objects clearly
- Squinting or blinking frequently to improve focus
- Holding books, tablets, or screens unusually close
- Complaints of frequent headaches or eye strain
- Difficulty with outdoor activities due to blurry vision
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s time for a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection can make a significant difference in managing myopia effectively.
How Is Myopia Diagnosed?
At Adelaide City Optometrist, we conduct detailed eye exams to assess your child’s vision and eye health. Our examinations include:
- Measuring visual acuity to detect refractive errors
- Assessing the length of the eyeball using advanced diagnostic tools
- Evaluating the cornea and retina for structural changes
- Discussing your child’s lifestyle habits to identify contributing factors
This thorough approach ensures we create a tailored myopia management plan that suits your child’s unique needs.
Evidence-Based Myopia Management Treatments
Managing myopia involves more than just correcting vision with glasses or contact lenses. At Adelaide City Optometrist, we focus on slowing the progression of myopia to reduce the risks associated with high prescriptions. Our myopia management treatments include:
1. Soft Contact Lenses for Myopia Control
Specialised dual-focus or multifocal contact lenses are designed to not only correct blurry vision but also slow the elongation of the eyeball, which is the underlying cause of myopia progression. These lenses are comfortable and safe for children, providing an effective, non-invasive option.
2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K involves wearing rigid contact lenses overnight to gently reshape the cornea. This treatment provides clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts while slowing myopia progression. Ortho-K is particularly beneficial for active children who play sports.
3. Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine drops are a scientifically proven option for managing myopia. These drops reduce the rate of eye growth, helping to prevent worsening of myopia over time. They are easy to administer and suitable for children of various ages.
4. Lifestyle Recommendations
We emphasise the importance of healthy lifestyle habits, such as:
- Spending more time outdoors: Exposure to natural light has been shown to reduce the risk of myopia progression.
- Limiting screen time: Encouraging breaks during near work (using the 20-20-20 rule) can reduce eye strain.
- Adopting ergonomic habits: Ensuring proper lighting and posture while reading or using devices can make a difference.
Why Choose Adelaide City Optometrist for Myopia Management?
When it comes to your child’s vision, you want expert care you can trust. Here’s why families choose us:
1. Specialised Expertise
Loucia Calder has extensive experience in managing myopia and working with children, creating a comfortable and supportive environment during appointments.
2. Advanced Technology
We use cutting-edge diagnostic tools and treatments, including Ortho-K lenses, soft contact lenses, and atropine drops, to provide the best care possible.
3. Personalised Care Plans
Every child’s eyes are unique, and so is their myopia management plan. We take the time to understand your child’s needs and design a solution that fits their lifestyle and vision goals.
The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment
Did you know that myopia often begins to develop between the ages of 6 and 14? During this critical period, the eye is still growing, making early intervention essential. Slowing the progression of myopia can significantly reduce the likelihood of severe eye health risks in adulthood, including retinal detachment and maculopathy.
Book Your Child’s Myopia Consultation Today
At Adelaide City Optometrist, we’re committed to helping your child achieve clear vision and long-term eye health. Don’t wait to address myopia—early intervention is key. Schedule an appointment with Loucia Calder today to explore our tailored myopia management solutions, including advanced treatments like Ortho-K lenses, atropine drops, and soft contact lenses.
Give your child the gift of healthy vision and a brighter future.
📞 Call us at 08 8224 0819
📧 Email us at info@adelaidecityoptometrist.com.au
Let us help your child see the world clearly, one step at a time!