For many families in Glendale, Arizona, ensuring their child’s health and success is a top priority and that includes their vision. Myopia is becoming increasingly common among children and can significantly impact their ability to thrive in school and daily life. At Arrowhead Optometry, we believe that understanding what myopia is and how to manage it is key to protecting your child’s long-term eye health.
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision conditions in children. It occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in distant objects appearing blurry while nearby objects remain clear. With rates of childhood myopia on the rise, understanding the condition and the importance of myopia control has never been more critical.
Clear vision is a vital part of a child’s ability to learn, especially in the classroom where so much instruction is visual. When a child struggles to see the board, recognize faces across the room, or read signs, their academic performance and social development may be affected. Beyond school, myopia can interfere with sports, hobbies, and day-to-day tasks, potentially lowering a child’s confidence and overall quality of life.
Routine pediatric eye exams play a crucial role in detecting myopia early. Unlike a school vision screening, a comprehensive eye exam evaluates how the eyes work together and can identify early signs of myopia progression. Early detection allows us to implement strategies to slow the progression before it becomes more severe.
Myopia control refers to a range of treatments designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. While standard glasses or contact lenses correct blurry vision, they do not stop the eye from continuing to grow longer. Without intervention, high myopia can increase the risk of serious eye health issues later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. By managing the progression of myopia during childhood, we can help protect your child’s vision for the long term and reduce their risk of future eye disease.
One of the most effective methods of myopia control available today is MiSight 1 day contact lenses. These soft, daily disposable lenses are FDA approved and specifically designed for children as young as eight years old. They correct vision while simultaneously working to slow the lengthening of the eye that causes myopia to worsen.
Myopia is more than just a need for glasses. It is a progressive condition that can impact a child’s development and future eye health. At Arrowhead Optometry, we are proud to offer comprehensive pediatric eye exams and effective myopia control options like MiSight 1 day contact lenses. With early detection and the right treatment, we can help protect your child’s vision today and for years to come.
Schedule your child’s eye exam with Arrowhead Optometry to learn more about myopia control treatment. Visit our office in Glendale, Arizona, or call (623) 263-8147 to book an appointment today.