Portland, OR / (503)-297-4183
Both children and adults suffer from myopia, however, nearsightedness in kids progresses as they age. If children develop myopia at a young age, by the time they are adults they may have quite poor distance vision. Myopia control gives these children a chance to slow the progression.
Myopia is commonly known as nearsightedness. Objects up close are easily focused on, but things in the distance are blurry or distorted. This condition occurs because the eyeball is elongated or the cornea is too steep, making the focal point sit just in front of the retina.
Cases of nearsightedness in kids are increasing at an alarming rate. By some estimates, if this rate of incidence continues, one-third of the population could be nearsighted by 2020. The culprit may be our extended amounts of time in front of screens and a lack of time spent outdoors.
Eye exams are essential for children by 6 months of age. Seeing well is an important aspect of gaining an education. Without good vision, kids easily fall behind in school and frequently develop behavioral problems.
Controlling myopia in children can reduce the progression of this vision disorder. It involves a combination of decreasing eye strain while carefully restructuring the shape of the cornea. This method can’t fix any current nearsightedness but can help slow the progression of myopia.
Ortho-K lenses, or Orthokeratology, uses rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses specifically created to reshaped the cornea. The change is implemented by these contact lenses overnight while the wearer sleeps, giving them clear vision without glasses or contacts through the day. The effects are temporary, but could make quite a positive impact on youth between the ages of 8 to 12.
Both contacts and traditional glasses can be fitted with multifocal lenses, allowing your child to see better at a distance without making them strain to see close-up. The magic of these lenses is in the gradient of the prescription level. Multifocal lenses are proving to be an effective way to control myopia in youngsters.
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