Myopia has become one of the most common vision problems among children today. While it may start as a minor inconvenience – like squinting to see the classroom whiteboard – it’s not something to ignore. In many cases, nearsightedness progresses quickly, requiring stronger prescriptions year after year. But beyond the inconvenience of frequent lens updates, there’s a more serious risk: moderate to high myopia dramatically increases a child’s chances of developing vision-threatening conditions later in life.
The good news is that modern optometry offers more than just temporary fixes. At Norwalk Vision Center, we offer tailored myopia control solutions designed for your child’s unique vision needs. Whether your child is newly diagnosed or their prescription keeps changing, our team is here to help guide your family with proven strategies, attentive care, and up-to-date technology.
What Is Myopia, and Why Does It Matter?
Myopia occurs when the eyeball elongates or the cornea becomes too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This leads to blurry distance vision – kids can see up close just fine, but struggle with objects that are far away.
It often shows up around age 6 to 8 and can progress rapidly during puberty. Early signs include:
- Holding books or tablets close to the face
- Squinting while watching TV
- Headaches after school
- Struggling to see road signs or the whiteboard in class
- Frequent changes in glasses or contact prescriptions
But it’s not just about blur. Children with unchecked myopia are more likely to develop eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and myopic macular degeneration later in life. These risks increase as the degree of nearsightedness worsens.
That’s why early action is key. Catching myopia early gives your optometrist more time – and more options – to manage its progression and protect your child’s vision for years to come.
MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses
These daily disposable contacts are FDA-approved specifically for myopia control in children. They correct vision while using optical zones to reduce the eye’s tendency to elongate – a key factor in slowing progression.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K lenses are custom-made rigid contacts worn overnight. They gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. Ortho-K also slows eye growth, helping to prevent prescription increases.
Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine drops are a non-invasive option that can help reduce myopia progression. Applied nightly, these drops relax the eye’s focusing mechanism and are often used in combination with other treatments.
Each method has unique benefits, and our team will walk you through the options to find what fits best with your child’s comfort level and routine.
Myopia Control in Norwalk, Connecticut
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, there’s never been a better time to take action. The earlier you begin myopia control, the more effective it is at slowing the progression and reducing the long-term risks to your child’s eyesight.
At Norwalk Vision Center, we combine compassionate care with clinically proven treatments to help manage your child’s nearsightedness. Our team works with you and your child to create a customized plan that fits your family’s needs and gives your child the best shot at lifelong healthy vision.
Request an appointment with our team in Norwalk today. Let’s work together to protect what matters most – your child’s future vision.