Myopia Control in Children
At Lavenburg Medical Group, serving Newark, Elkton, Wilmington, and the neighboring communities, our eye doctors offer myopia control for children of all ages, particularly those between the ages of six and 14 as they are most commonly affected. We would like to take this opportunity to explain what myopia is and the myopia management techniques we provide.
What is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition in which a person has difficulty seeing objects at a distance but can see nearby objects clearly. According to the Boston Children's Hospital, approximately 20 percent of children have this refractive error or other similar vision issues.
While myopia is more prevalent in children with parents who have myopia, it can also develop due to environmental factors or certain disorders. You may notice your child squinting to see distant objects or sitting close to the television. Teachers might inform you that your child sits near the front of the classroom to see the board clearly.
Treatment Options
Before recommending any treatment, our optometrist will ask you to fill out a medical and family history report to identify any specific causes of the visual impairment. Our ophthalmologist will conduct a comprehensive pediatric eye exam to assess your child's visual deficit and its extent. This may involve reading shapes or letters depending on your child's age.
We will also evaluate your child for astigmatism, a condition where the eye has an abnormal shape that affects vision. Based on the results of the pediatric eye exam, our eye doctor will develop a treatment plan to optimize your child's vision and slow down the progression of myopia.
Eyeglasses are typically the primary approach for myopia management in children aged 12 and older, although some younger children may be responsible enough to wear contact lenses. We will ensure the glasses fit your child's face and give them the opportunity to choose a style they like. Contacts are another effective option for correcting myopia. They are particularly suitable for children who prefer not to wear glasses or who engage in sports activities.
Contact Lavenburg Medical Group
Lavenburg Medical Group provides pediatric eye care services for children of all ages, including myopia control. Whether your child needs a pediatric eye exam or has already been diagnosed with myopia, contact us today at (302) 993-0722.