Myopia Management
Herndon, VA
Myopia is when you can see close-up objects clearly, but faraway objects look blurry. If left untreated, myopia can raise your child’s risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life.
At Beyond EyeCare, we offer myopia management in Herndon to help slow or stop myopia progression in children and lower the risk of these eye health issues.
What is myopia?
Myopia, commonly identified as nearsightedness, is a prevalent disease affecting children worldwide. It occurs when the eye elongates in shape and causes light to refract or bend incorrectly. Reduced outdoor time, prolonged near activities, and genetics affect how children’s eyes develop. Since near activities are becoming more popular, studies show this ocular disease is quickly accelerating among children.
Developing myopia
Myopia usually develops in childhood or early adolescence. Behavioral changes, such as encouraging more outdoor time and reducing near work, can help lower the risk of developing myopia. These tips are crucial for children with a family history of myopia.
No amount of myopia is safe. Any amount of myopia will increase the risk of developing serious eye diseases that cause permanent vision loss such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and macular degeneration.
A comprehensive eye exam performed by a trained myopia professional will confirm a diagnosis. Treatment options include orthokeratology, soft contact lenses, and prescription eye drops.
Understanding myopia prevalence
Studies indicate childhood myopia rates are increasing, currently affecting 36% of American children.¹ It is projected to affect over 50% of the global population by 2050. Myopia prevalence is a serious public health issue that requires more attention.
See below for research that shows how failing to treat myopia will increase the risk of ocular diseases.²
Symptoms of myopia
Symptoms of myopia include:
- Blurry distant vision
- Squinting to see clearly
- Eye strain
- Frequent headaches
- Excessive blinking
- Eye rubbing
Children with myopia tend to sit close to the classroom board or TV to see clearly. They may also seem unaware of distant people or objects. If your child shows any symptoms, schedule a comprehensive exam with our qualified eye doctor.
What can we do: myopia management
Early intervention with proven treatment options can help slow or stop myopia progression in children. Corrective lenses can compensate for poor vision, but they do not prevent vision deterioration. We offer the following treatment options for myopia control in Herndon:
Orthokeratology
Custom-molded contact lenses are created for patients to wear overnight. The patient does not wear any glasses or contact lenses during the day yet still enjoys good vision throughout the day. This treatment is called orthokeratology (ortho-k) and can be compared to using retainers for teeth.
Daytime contact lenses
Custom-made contact lenses worn during the day. They provide the added benefit of blocking harmful UV rays.
Prescription eye drops
A personalized dosage of prescription eye drops that can be used alongside another treatment option to increase efficacy. They can also be used as a sole treatment option.
Personalized treatment plans
Dr. Khaldieh assesses patients individually to determine the best treatment option. He uses state-of-the-art equipment to develop personalized treatment plans and customize lens designs to suit each child.
Studies show that noninvasive treatments can help to reduce myopia progression. Children can see clearly in school and at home, which is essential for their education and social life.
Scheduling regular vision screenings and eye exams helps detect eye or vision changes that often occur gradually. Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment can protect a child’s vision and eye health.
For more on myopia management, visit Beyond Eyecare at our office in Herndon, Virginia. Call (703) 239-6633 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment today.
How do I know if myopia management is right for my child?
No amount of myopia is safe! If your child has any amount of myopia, indicated by a negative prescription number, schedule a comprehensive eye exam right away to begin slowing their myopia progression.
How long will my child need treatment?
Treatment can persist throughout childhood and adolescence or until myopia stabilizes. The timetable for treatment differs on a case-by-case basis, but Dr. Khaldieh will keep you updated throughout the process.
Are these treatments safe for my child?
Yes. Beyond Eyecare exclusively uses FDA-approved products that are known to be safe. Dr. Khaldieh also gives thorough instructions for the use of every product at home.
Why haven’t I heard about this before?
Myopia is very well known in the eyecare community and is being actively taught about in optometry schools today. With that said, there is still a lot of work to be done with educating the public and other medical professionals.
Does myopia management work?
Yes. Dr. Khaldieh prioritizes studying the most effective, up-to-date approaches to managing myopia while treating cases of myopia with optimal results.
Sources
- Fortin, Patricia, and Justin Kwan.
“The Myopia Management Opportunity in the United States Using the 2020 Census.”
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 1 June 202 - Joachim, Nichole, et al.
“The Incidence and Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration over 15 Years: The Blue Mountains Eye Study.”
PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2015
TC, Burton.
“The Influence of Refractive Error and Lattice Degeneration on the Incidence of Retinal Detachment.”
Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1989
Pan, Chen-Wei, et al.
“Differential Associations of Myopia With Major Age-Related Eye Diseases.”
Ophthalmology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Feb. 201
Bullimore, Mark A, et al.
“The Risks and Benefits of Myopia Control – Ophthalmology.”
Ophthalmology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, 4 May 2021
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