Myopia Management

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.  

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: 

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. 

Sources 

1. 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
   
2. 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