The Myopia Epidemic
Did you know that myopia is on the rise worldwide, especially among children? In fact, it’s estimated that by 2050, half of the global population will be affected by myopia. More concerning is that children are developing myopia earlier than ever before, putting their long-term vision at risk.
We’re committed to tackling this issue head-on at Lakeside Eye Associates. Our comprehensive myopia management services aim to slow the progression of myopia and protect your child’s vision as they grow.
What it Means to be Nearsighted?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is an eye condition where distant objects appear blurry while nearby objects are clear. This happens when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
Myopia typically develops during childhood and often progresses as a child grows. It can lead to higher prescriptions and an increased risk of severe eye problems later in life. For children, myopia isn’t just a vision problem—it can affect their learning, confidence, and ability to take part in everyday activities.
The Treehouse Eyes Program
Lakeside Eye Associates is proud to offer the Treehouse Eyes Program. The program, designed for children with progressive myopia, uses a combination of treatments to help slow the progression of nearsightedness.
The Treehouse Eyes Program includes thoroughly evaluating your child’s myopia, ongoing monitoring, and a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. By managing myopia early, we can help reduce the risk of future complications.
Myopia Management at Lakeside Eye Associates
We offer a range of myopia management services in Huntersville to help slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and protect their future vision. We take a personalized approach to each child’s treatment, using the latest tools and techniques to ensure the best outcomes.
Wake Up to Clear Vision
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) is a revolutionary, non-surgical treatment that offers an effective way to manage myopia in children. Ortho-k involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight, which gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. This temporary reshaping allows them to see clearly throughout the day without needing glasses or daytime contact lenses.
The benefits of ortho-k go beyond just clear vision—clinical studies show that it can help slow myopia progression in children, reducing the risk of severe vision problems in the future.
Can Your Child See Clearly?
Detecting myopia early is key to slowing its progression and protecting your child's vision. Here are some common signs that your child may struggle with myopia:
- Squinting when trying to see distant objects, like the TV or chalkboard.
- Holding books, tablets, or phones too close to their face.
- Complaining of headaches or eye strain, especially after reading or doing homework.
- Sitting closer than usual to the TV or at the front of the classroom to see better.
- Frequent rubbing of the eyes, which may show discomfort.
If your child shows any of these signs, make an appointment for an eye exam as soon as possible to determine if they have myopia and if they require treatment.