Myopia Management

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a growing concern among children and teens. It’s a condition where distant objects appear blurry, while nearby objects remain clear. As myopia progresses, it can impact your child’s ability to succeed in school, participate in activities, and enjoy daily life. At Excel Eyecare OD PA, we’re committed to helping families across Charlotte recognize, manage, and slow the progression of myopia with customized care and proven strategies.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision, making it hard to see things like the board at school or signs while driving. Myopia typically begins in childhood and may worsen during the school years and adolescence.

Clear distance vision is essential for academic success. Children with untreated myopia may struggle to read the board, follow along in class, or see instructional materials, which can lead to frustration, lower grades, and a reduced desire to participate. Since kids may not always realize their vision is impaired, they might not express that they’re having trouble seeing - making early detection all the more important.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Myopia

Parents should be on the lookout for the following signs:

• Squinting to see distant objects
• Sitting too close to the TV or holding devices very near the face
• Frequent headaches or eye strain
• Rubbing the eyes often
• Complaints about not being able to see the board at school

If you notice any of these behaviors, it’s time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

The Importance of Regular Pediatric Eye Exams and InfantSEE®

Routine eye exams are critical for early detection of myopia and other vision problems. At Excel Eyecare OD PA, we emphasize the importance of pediatric eye care beginning in infancy. Through InfantSEE®, a public health program by the American Optometric Association, we provide no-cost comprehensive eye assessments for infants.

Here’s a general timeline of what to expect and when to schedule:

• At Birth: Infants begin to focus on objects less than a foot away, such as a parent’s face during nursing.
• By 3 Months: Babies start following moving objects and reaching for things. It’s normal if their eyes don’t always track together during the first 6-8 weeks.
• By 6 Months: Both eyes should focus equally, and brainwave testing can confirm if your child is capable of seeing 20/20 detail. Eye and body coordination skills also begin to develop.
• By 9 Months: Eye contact gradually begins to replace physical contact as a form of communication, and coordination skills continue to improve.
• By 12 Months: Your child should have their first comprehensive eye exam, and then annually after that.

We encourage parents to stay ahead of vision issues with regular pediatric eye exams. Early detection and monitoring are key to protecting your child’s eyesight as they grow.

What Is Myopia Management and Why Is It Important?

Myopia management involves proactive strategies to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. Without intervention, myopia can worsen over time and increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as:

• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Myopic macular degeneration

By managing myopia early, we can help reduce these long-term risks and preserve your child’s vision for the future.

Myopia Management Strategies We Offer

At Excel Eyecare OD PA, we offer evidence-based treatments to help slow myopia progression, including:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specialized gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts. Ortho-K has been shown to significantly slow myopia progression.
• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops, applied nightly, can effectively slow the rate at which myopia progresses. This treatment is especially useful for young children just beginning to show signs of myopia.
• MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses: These soft, daily disposable lenses are FDA-approved for myopia management in children. They correct vision while also slowing the progression of myopia with specially designed optics.

Start Myopia Management with Trusted Local Eye Care

Myopia is a growing concern that deserves early attention. Left unmanaged, it can affect your child’s school performance, daily activities, and long-term eye health. We’re proud to offer advanced myopia management solutions tailored to your child’s unique needs. With early detection and proactive care, we can help protect their vision and set them up for lifelong success.

If you live in Charlotte or the surrounding areas and want to take a proactive step toward your child’s eye health, contact Excel Eyecare OD PA to schedule a pediatric eye exam to learn more about myopia management treatment.