How Myopia Progresses Over Time Without Treatment

Myopia is one of the most common vision conditions affecting children today. While it may seem harmless at first, untreated myopia can worsen significantly over time. Understanding how myopia progresses and taking proactive steps to slow it down is essential for protecting your child’s long-term eye health.

Understanding the Progression of Myopia

Myopia often begins in childhood and can progress rapidly as a child grows. Without treatment, the eye continues to elongate, causing distant objects to appear increasingly blurry. This progression not only impacts a child’s ability to see clearly in the classroom or during activities, but it also raises the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

For many children, myopia progression is most rapid between the ages of 7 and 15. This is why regular pediatric eye exams are so important. Early detection allows eye care professionals to step in with treatment before the condition worsens.

The Role of Pediatric Eye Exams

Even if your child already wears glasses, annual eye exams are crucial to track prescription changes and monitor eye health. A comprehensive eye exam can reveal how quickly your child’s myopia is progressing and whether additional treatment options should be considered. Early intervention can make all the difference in slowing down progression and protecting your child’s future vision.

Myopia Control Treatment Options

Today, there are effective treatment options that go beyond traditional glasses to help manage myopia:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special overnight contact lenses gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, providing clear vision during the day without lenses or glasses. Ortho-K has also been shown to slow myopia progression.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops, used under professional guidance, can help reduce how quickly myopia advances in children.

• Multifocal Contact Lenses: Specially designed contact lenses that not only correct vision but also help control myopia progression.

• Multifocal Glasses: Similar to contact lenses, these glasses provide multiple focal points that reduce the strain contributing to worsening myopia.

Each child’s needs are unique, which is why partnering with an experienced optometrist is key to finding the right solution.

Protect Your Child’s Vision for the Future

Left untreated, myopia does not simply stop on its own - it often progresses year after year. Fortunately, with regular eye exams and proactive treatment, it’s possible to slow this progression and safeguard your child’s vision well into adulthood.

Schedule a pediatric eye exam with Dussan Eye Care take the first step toward slowing myopia progression. Visit our office in Long Island City, New York, or call (718) 784-3960 to book an appointment today.