If you’ve noticed your child squinting at the TV, sitting too close to the screen, or complaining about headaches, you may wonder if it’s time for glasses. Many parents share the same worry, wanting their kids to see clearly at school and in everyday life.
If your child is at risk of developing nearsightedness, or myopia, regular comprehensive eye exams are one of the best ways to protect their vision. The earlier our eye doctors detect myopia, the sooner we can begin myopia management in Peachtree Corners to slow its progression.
In this blog, we’ll cover why eye exams matter, how myopia develops, and the treatment options available to protect your child’s eyesight.
Why myopia is a concern for kids
Myopia isn’t just about needing eyeglasses or contact lenses to see clearly. It happens when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This makes distance vision blurry, while close-up vision is still clear.
The challenge is that myopia tends to worsen as kids grow, leading to stronger prescriptions year after year. Progressive myopia also raises the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, including:
- Retinal detachment – when the retina separates from the back of the eye, which can lead to serious and permanent vision loss if not treated quickly
- Glaucoma – an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often related to high eye pressure, and can cause gradual vision loss over time
- Cataracts – clouding of the lens in the eye that causes blurry, hazy, or distorted vision
- Myopic macular degeneration – thinning and damage in the central part of the retina that can reduce sharp, detailed vision
Why regular kids’ eye exams are crucial
A comprehensive eye exam with our eye doctors in Peachtree Corners goes far beyond a basic school vision screening. These exams check your child’s eye health, how their eyes work together, and whether they are growing too quickly.
A pediatric eye exam allows us to detect early signs of myopia and track changes over time. Early detection means we can start treatment sooner, giving your child the best chance at clear, healthy vision.
How to manage myopia progression
There isn’t just one way to slow down myopia. Our team offers several proven treatments, and we’ll recommend the option that best fits your child’s age, lifestyle, and vision needs. Options for myopia control include:
- Orthokeratology (ortho-k) with Paragon CRT® lenses – special lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. They provide clear vision during the day without glasses or daytime contacts while also slowing eye growth.
- MiSight® 1 day contact lenses – the first FDA-approved daily disposable lens proven to slow myopia progression in children ages 8–12.
- Low-dose atropine eye drops – a simple treatment used at night that helps slow myopia progression while your child sleeps.
The benefits of myopia management
With effective myopia management, kids can enjoy sharper vision now while lowering the risks of high myopia in the future. That means fewer struggles seeing the board at school, better confidence in sports and play, and less reliance on stronger prescriptions as they grow. Parents can feel reassured knowing their child’s eye health is being protected long-term.
Give your child clearer vision today and tomorrow
Watching your child struggle with blurry vision can be stressful, but the right care can protect their eyesight. Regular eye exams and personalized myopia management give your child the chance to see clearly today while reducing the risk of future complications.
Call our office or schedule an appointment online to learn more about our myopia management options. Walk-in appointments are also available.