Myopia Control in Children

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision problems in children today. As more time is spent on screens and less outdoors, children are becoming increasingly vulnerable to this progressive condition. At Artisan Eye, we are dedicated to helping families in Lakewood Ranch, FL and nearby communities manage and control myopia early, preserving their child’s vision and supporting long-term eye health.
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What Is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in distant objects appearing blurry, while near objects remain clear. Myopia typically begins in childhood and often progresses into the teen years.

Children with uncorrected myopia may struggle to see the whiteboard, read signs, or participate in classroom activities. This can lead to frustration, reduced participation, and even a drop in academic performance. Addressing myopia early is essential to give your child every opportunity to thrive in school and beyond.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Myopia in Children

Myopia can sometimes go unnoticed by both children and parents. Here are some common signs to watch for:

• Squinting to see distant objects

• Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very near

• Complaints of headaches or eye strain

• Frequent blinking or rubbing of the eyes

• Difficulty seeing in school, especially with distance vision
  
  

If your child displays any of these symptoms, a comprehensive pediatric eye exam is the next step.

The Importance of Regular Pediatric Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are vital for early detection of vision issues like myopia. Pediatric eye exams do more than check vision, they assess the overall health and development of your child’s eyes. Early diagnosis not only helps correct vision with glasses or contact lenses but also allows us to begin myopia control treatment to slow progression.

What Is Myopia Control and Why Is It Important?

Myopia control refers to a range of treatments aimed at slowing the progression of nearsightedness in children. Slowing myopia is crucial because high levels of nearsightedness can significantly increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Myopic macular degeneration
  
  

By managing myopia early, we reduce your child’s risk of developing these sight-threatening conditions in adulthood.

Myopia Treatment Strategies We Offer

At Artisan Eye, we offer evidence-based treatments designed to slow the progression of myopia:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed gas-permeable lenses worn overnight gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day and slowing eye growth.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops used daily have been shown to effectively reduce myopia progression in children.

• Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: These lenses are worn during the day and provide clear vision while signaling the eye to slow its growth.
  
  

Our personalized approach ensures each child receives the most appropriate and effective treatment based on their individual needs and lifestyle.

Supporting Families in Lakewood Ranch, FL and Beyond

At Artisan Eye, we take the time to explain every step of the process and work closely with families throughout Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas to provide compassionate, expert care. Our goal is to protect your child’s vision today and preserve it for a lifetime.

Schedule your child’s eye exam at Artisan Eye in Lakewood Ranch today and take the first step toward protecting their long-term vision