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Myopia Control at Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care


Getting thorough eye exams, not just a regular check-up, is essential for your children. These exams help our eye doctors check how well your child can see and find and treat issues like myopia (nearsightedness).

3 boys holding a basketball

In recent years, myopia or nearsightedness has become a significant concern for parents and eye care professionals. The reason for this concern is the increasing prevalence of myopia in children, which is alarming because when myopia worsens during childhood, it can result in severe nearsightedness in adulthood, increasing the risk of eye diseases and complications later in life. This is where myopia control comes into play.

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These methods are part of a comprehensive myopia control plan, and the choice of treatment will depend on factors such as the child’s age, the severity of myopia, and eye health.

Taking Control of Myopia: What Myopia Management Includes


Myopia control is a group of innovative techniques aimed at slowing down or halting the progression of myopia to prevent its long-term consequences. These approaches are tailored to each child's unique needs and may include:

  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) or Corneal Refractive Therapy: This non-surgical option involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily, providing clear vision during the day.
  • Atropine Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops can help slow myopia progression by relaxing the eye's focusing mechanism.
  • Multifocal Contact Lenses: These specialized contact lenses have different prescription zones to help manage myopia.
  • Multifocal Eyeglasses: Multifocal glasses can be prescribed to children to help manage their myopia effectively.

Empowering Parents: Detecting
Vision Problems in Kids


Children may not always recognize or communicate vision problems effectively, so parents and teachers play a crucial role in identifying potential issues. Here are some signs that may indicate a child has vision problems:

  • Frequent eye rubbing
  • Excessive blinking
  • Squinting to see objects clearly
  • Holding objects very close or sitting too close to screens
  • Complaints of headaches or eye discomfort
  • Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork or reading
  • Avoidance of activities that require good vision
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If you notice any of these signs or have concerns about your child’s vision, request a pediatric eye exam. Finding problems early and getting help can make a big difference in your child’s visual development and overall well-being.

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How nearsighted your child is can impact their chances of getting eye diseases later on, like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment, which is crucial to control myopia to manage and possibly prevent the condition.

Understanding Myopia Levels:
From Mild to High


Myopia can be categorized into different levels based on the degree of refractive error. Knowing these levels is essential because they directly affect your child's vision and the potential risks linked to myopia.

  • Mild Myopia: Mild myopia typically ranges from -0.25 to -3.00 diopters (D) and represents a lower degree of nearsightedness.
  • Moderate Myopia: Moderate myopia falls within the range of -3.00 to -6.00 D, indicating a more significant level of nearsightedness.
  • High Myopia: High myopia is classified as more than -6.00 D and represents severe nearsightedness.