The Rise of Myopia in Children and How We Can Help Slow It Down

Across the country more children are being diagnosed with myopia, also known as nearsightedness, at increasingly younger ages. This shift isn’t just a vision concern; it can have a lasting impact on a child’s academic performance, development, and long-term eye health. At Eyeluxe Eyecare, we’re here to help families better understand myopia and take steps to manage it early and effectively.
 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the shape of the eye causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision stays clear. It often begins in childhood and tends to progress as a child grows.
 

Clear vision is essential for children to succeed in school. When a child struggles to see the board, read signs, or follow along in class, it can lead to frustration, fatigue, and falling behind academically. Myopia may also cause eye strain and frequent headaches, all of which can interfere with learning and concentration.
 

Why Pediatric Eye Exams Are Essential

Regular eye exams are a key part of keeping your child’s vision on track. School screenings are limited and may miss early signs of myopia. A comprehensive pediatric eye exam at Eyeluxe Eyecare can detect myopia early - often before a child notices symptoms. Early diagnosis gives us the opportunity to manage myopia and help prevent serious eye conditions later in life.
 

What Is Myopia Management?

Myopia management is more than updating a child’s prescription year after year. It’s a proactive approach to slow the progression of myopia and protect long-term vision. High levels of myopia increase the risk for serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration later in life. By addressing it early, we can reduce these risks and support healthier vision as your child grows.
 

Myopia Control Options at Eyeluxe Eyecare

We offer a variety of safe, evidence-based strategies to help slow the progression of myopia:
 

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine is a medicated eye drop shown to slow the growth of the eye and reduce myopia progression. It’s simple to use and highly effective under professional supervision.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. Children remove them in the morning and enjoy clear vision all day without glasses or contacts.
• Multifocal Contact Lenses or Glasses: These specially designed lenses provide clear vision at multiple distances while also helping to slow the progression of myopia in children. They offer the combined benefit of vision correction and myopia management in one solution.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye exam Today

In Wayne, New Jersey, families are seeing firsthand how common childhood myopia has become, and there are effective ways to manage it. With early detection and the right treatment plan, we can help slow its progression and support your child’s overall eye health over time.
 

Schedule a pediatric eye exam at Eyeluxe Eyecare and discuss myopia management options for your child.  Visit our office in Wayne, New Jersey, or call (973) 339-3378 to book an appointment today.