How Regular Eye Exams Help Detect and Manage Myopia Early

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision problem that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. With rates of myopia rising, particularly among children, it’s more important than ever to focus on early detection and effective management. Regular eye exams are a crucial part of protecting your child’s vision and long-term eye health.
 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the shape of the eye causes light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This makes distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. Myopia typically develops during childhood and can progress as the eyes grow. Genetics and environmental factors, such as increased screen time and less time spent outdoors, can contribute to the development and progression of myopia.
 

The Importance of Regular Pediatric Eye Exams

Many parents assume that vision screenings at school are enough to catch vision problems, but these basic checks can often miss early signs of myopia and other eye conditions. Comprehensive eye exams are the most effective way to detect myopia early - sometimes even before a child notices any symptoms.

Early detection is key, as myopia tends to progress over time. The sooner it’s identified, the more options you have to manage it and potentially slow its progression. Regular pediatric eye exams should be a routine part of your child’s healthcare, especially if there’s a family history of nearsightedness.
 

What to Expect During an Eye Exam

During a comprehensive eye exam at Vision Center of Lake Norman, our optometrists use a variety of tests to accurately diagnose myopia. Here’s what you and your child can expect:

• Vision Testing: Using a vision chart, we’ll check how well your child can see objects at various distances.

• Refraction Assessment: This test measures how light bends as it passes through the eye, helping to determine the appropriate lens prescription.

• Eye Health Evaluation: We’ll examine the overall health of your child’s eyes, looking for any signs of disease or conditions that could affect vision.

• Discussion of Symptoms and Habits: We’ll ask about any difficulties seeing the board at school, squinting, frequent headaches, or excessive screen time.
 

The Role of Myopia Management Treatments

If your child is diagnosed with myopia, it’s important to know that traditional glasses or contact lenses can help correct vision, but newer treatments can also slow the progression of myopia. We offer a range of myopia management options tailored to each patient, such as:

• Specialty Contact Lenses: Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) and multifocal soft contact lenses are designed to reshape the cornea or control the way light enters the eye, both of which can help slow myopia progression.

• Prescription Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to reduce the progression of myopia in children.

• Lifestyle Recommendations: Increasing outdoor activities and managing screen time can play a supporting role in managing myopia.

Our optometrists work closely with families to create a personalized management plan that protects your child’s vision for the future.
 

Protect Your Child’s Vision at Vision Center of Lake Norman

Staying on top of regular eye exams is one of the most effective ways to catch myopia early and take proactive steps in managing it. With early detection, you can give your child the best chance at maintaining healthy vision and preventing more serious complications down the road.

Contact Vision Center of Lake Norman to schedule a pediatric eye exam and learn more about how we can help manage myopia early and effectively. Visit our office in Mooresville, North Carolina, or call (704) 200-9477 to book an appointment today.