At Blink Eyewear in Calgary, managing your child's myopia is a priority. There are proven techniques to help control and slow myopia progression including regular eye exams which are essential for early detection and timely intervention. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, worn overnight, reshape the cornea for daytime clarity and myopia control. Multifocal contact lenses offer a practical solution by reducing eye strain and managing myopia effectively. Encouraging outdoor activities can also play a significant role in slowing myopia progression. Children’s eye exams are covered by AHS, so schedule an eye exam at any of our 3 locations at Crowfoot, Creekside or West Springs, today!
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is increasingly affecting children worldwide. This vision condition makes distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. As screen time increases and children spend less time outdoors, myopia is becoming more prevalent. However, with early intervention, parents can help manage and slow its progression. At Blink Eyewear in Calgary, we provide comprehensive myopia control solutions tailored to your child's unique needs. Below, we explore four proven techniques to manage myopia in kids.
1. Regular Eye Exams: The First Line of Defense
One of the most crucial steps in managing myopia is ensuring your child has regular eye exams. Early detection is key in slowing down the progression of myopia. Regular eye exams allow for timely adjustments to prescriptions and the implementation of myopia control strategies.
Tip: Schedule annual eye exams for your child, even if they don’t show signs of vision problems. Early detection can make a significant difference in managing myopia effectively. At Blink Eyewear, we recommend comprehensive eye exams that include myopia assessment and tailored advice for each child.
2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses: Non-Surgical Myopia Control
Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, involves the use of specially designed contact lenses that are worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, temporarily correcting myopia and allowing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts.
Ortho-K is particularly effective for children as it not only corrects vision but also slows the progression of myopia. This non-surgical option is safe, reversible, and can be a great alternative for children who are not ready for daytime contact lenses.
Tip: Consider Ortho-K lenses if your child is active in sports or has a high degree of myopia. These lenses offer the freedom of clear vision without the need for glasses during the day, which can be beneficial for their lifestyle and overall eye health.
3. Multifocal Contact Lenses: A Versatile Solution
Multifocal contact lenses, typically used for presbyopia in adults, have also proven effective in controlling myopia in children. These lenses have different power zones that help the eyes focus correctly, reducing the strain that contributes to myopia progression.
By distributing focus across different areas of the lens, multifocal lenses can help slow down the elongation of the eye that causes myopia. This option is suitable for children who are comfortable with contact lenses and can be a practical solution for daily use.
Tip: If your child is already wearing contact lenses, talk to your optometrist about switching to multifocal lenses. This simple change could have a significant impact on managing their myopia while providing clear vision.
4. Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging Outdoor Activities
Recent studies have shown that spending more time outdoors can help reduce the risk of myopia progression in children. Natural light and the need to focus on distant objects while playing outside contribute to healthier eye development.
Encouraging your child to take breaks from screens and engage in outdoor activities can be an effective way to manage myopia. Activities like playing sports, hiking, or even simple outdoor playtime can make a big difference.
Tip: Aim for at least 2 hours of outdoor activity each day for your child. Simple changes like walking to school, playing in the park, or participating in outdoor sports can contribute significantly to slowing down the progression of myopia.
Managing myopia in children requires a proactive approach that combines regular eye care, innovative treatment options, and healthy lifestyle changes. At Blink Eyewear in Calgary, we are committed to helping parents navigate myopia control with personalized care and expert guidance. Whether it’s through regular eye exams, Ortho-K lenses, multifocal contact lenses, or promoting outdoor activities, there are proven techniques available to manage your child’s myopia effectively.
If you’re concerned about your child’s vision or want to explore myopia control options, visit Blink Eyewear in Calgary. Our experienced optometrists will work with you to create a tailored plan that suits your child’s needs and helps protect their vision for the future. Schedule an eye exam today at any of our 3 convenient locations in Calgary and help ensure your child enjoys clear, healthy vision throughout their life.
Written on behalf of Blink Eyewear.