Myopia Control

Myopia (nearsightedness) affects about 9% of school-aged kids and 30% of teenagers. If your child has myopia and wants to see clearly, consider myopia control at Vistasite Eye Care Inwood in Inwood, Manhattan. Vanessa Silva, OD, offers treatments that can correct their vision and prevent it from worsening. Schedule an eye exam by calling the New York City office or booking a visit online today.

What is myopia control?

Myopia is nearsightedness, or difficulty seeing clearly from far distances. It’s caused by eyes that are longer than normal or a cornea that’s too curved. Having myopia may increase the risk of eye problems later in life, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal detachment. Myopia control at Vistasite Eye Care Inwood involves treatments that help your child see clearly. 

What are the benefits of myopia control?

The main benefit of myopia control is better vision and a lower risk of worsening vision problems, especially among children and teenagers. Myopia control is a simple treatment that can dramatically improve their quality of life. 

Does my child need myopia control?

Signs of myopia in children to watch for include:

• Blurry vision from a distance
• Frequent squinting
• Ongoing headaches
• Frequently rubbing their eyes
• Not seeing the chalkboard clearly at school

Dr. Silva completes a comprehensive eye exam by assessing the structure of your child’s eyes. She also evaluates their vision and determines if they’re a candidate for myopia control or other vision correction treatments. 

What are the different types of myopia control?

Methods of myopia control to help prevent nearsightedness from worsening in children and teenagers include:

Medicated eye drops

Using medicated eye drops may help slow myopia progression. Your child must place the drops in their eyes (or have you help them) every night before bedtime. 

Contact lenses

There are different contact lenses that may reduce the risk of worsening myopia. Examples include peripheral defocus contact lenses (multifocal lenses) and orthokeratology (Ortho-K) contact lenses worn overnight while your child sleeps. 

Glasses

Wearing glasses can help your child see clearly. They may be used all of the time if your child isn’t able to wear contact lenses or as needed.

Other prevention measures

There are several ways to help reduce the risk of nearsightedness worsening in children. Examples include limiting screen time, balancing screen time with being outdoors, and protecting their eyes from the sun and sports injuries. 

It’s also helpful to schedule routine eye exams to determine how well your child is progressing with treatment. Follow up with Dr. Silva at Vistasite Eye Care Inwood to ensure exceptional results. 

Schedule an eye exam at Vistasite Eye Care Inwood by calling the office or booking a visit online today to determine if your child is a candidate for myopia control.