Does your child struggle to see distant objects clearly? Are they squinting, holding books or screens too close to their face, or rubbing their eyes constantly? These could be early signs of myopia (also known as nearsightedness), a condition that is becoming increasingly common among children. Since myopia tends to worsen as kids grow, early intervention is key.
At ProEye Vision Center, we offer myopia management in Omaha, Nebraska to help slow its progression and protect your child’s long-term eye health. Keep reading to learn why starting early is crucial.
Why is it important to start myopia management early?
Myopia usually starts in childhood and can progress quickly. If left unchecked, kids often need stronger and stronger glasses over time. Additionally, high myopia increases the risk of serious vision problems later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.
So, when is the right time to start myopia management? As soon as your child is diagnosed! Starting myopia management early helps slow down its progression and lowers the risk of future eye issues.
What is the best age to start myopia management?
Kids as young as six or seven can benefit from myopia management since their eyes are still developing. Even if their prescription is mild, early action is essential, especially if there’s a family history of myopia. The sooner we start treatment, the better we can control myopia’s progression.
At ProEye Vision Center, we offer MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses, the first FDA-approved soft contact lenses proven to slow myopia progression in children ages 8 to 12 at the start of treatment. These daily disposable lenses not only correct nearsightedness but also help manage its advancement. Since they are single-use lenses, they offer a convenient and hygienic option, especially for younger children.
Studies have shown that MiSight® 1 day lenses reduce myopia progression by an average of 59% over three years, with 41% of eyes showing no progression at all. Starting between the ages of 8 and 12 can have the most significant impact on long-term eye health.
Don’t wait for your child’s vision to worsen—early intervention is the key to healthier eyes in the future. If your child has been diagnosed with myopia or you suspect they might be nearsighted, schedule an appointment at ProEye Vision Center in Omaha today.
