The Long-Term Risks of Untreated Myopia in Kids

Myopia is becoming increasingly common among children, with more kids needing glasses at a younger age than ever before. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, untreated myopia can progress over time, leading to serious vision complications later in life. Understanding these long-term risks and taking proactive steps through myopia management can make a lasting difference in your child’s eye health and future vision.

 

Understanding Myopia and Its Progression

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This leads to blurry distance vision, but what’s more concerning is that myopia tends to worsen as a child grows. Each year, even a small increase in nearsightedness can raise the risk of developing more severe eye diseases in adulthood.

 

The Long-Term Risks of Untreated Myopia

When left unmanaged, myopia progression can significantly increase the likelihood of developing serious and potentially sight-threatening conditions, such as:

• Retinal Detachment –-The elongated shape of a myopic eye puts extra stress on the retina, increasing the risk of tears or detachment.

• Glaucoma - Higher levels of myopia are linked with an elevated risk of developing glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and can cause irreversible vision loss.

• Cataracts - Myopia may accelerate cataract formation earlier in life.

• Myopic Maculopathy - Severe myopia can lead to degenerative changes in the central retina (macula), causing permanent vision impairment.

 

Preventing or slowing myopia progression during childhood helps reduce the likelihood of these complications, preserving lifelong visual health.

 

The Importance of Myopia Management

At Clarity Advanced Optometry, we take a proactive approach to managing myopia in children. Rather than just correcting vision with standard glasses, myopia management aims to slow down the eye’s growth and reduce the rate of myopia progression.

 

Some of the most effective treatment options include:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day while helping slow myopia progression.

• MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses: The first FDA-approved daily disposable lenses clinically proven to control myopia progression in children.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops can slow the progression of nearsightedness and are safe and effective for many children.

 

Stellest® Lenses Now FDA Approved and Coming Soon

We’re excited to announce that Stellest® Lenses are now FDA approved and will soon be available at our office! These innovative spectacle lenses are specifically designed to slow myopia progression in children by using advanced optical technology that manages how light focuses on the retina. They offer a comfortable and convenient option for kids who prefer glasses over contact lenses or eye drops.

 

Give Your Child a Clearer Future

Myopia management isn’t just about improving vision today - it’s about protecting your child’s eyesight for life. Early detection and treatment can make all the difference in reducing the long-term risks associated with myopia.

If your child has been diagnosed with nearsightedness, schedule a myopia consultation at Clarity Advanced Optometry to explore the latest treatment options, including Ortho-K, MiSight®, atropine therapy, and the soon-to-be-available Stellest® Lenses. Contact our office in Arcadia or Pasadena, by calling (626) 445-2717 (Arcadia) or (626) 463-1314 (Pasadena) to book an appointment today.