In today's digital age, the increasing use of digital screens for educational and recreational activities has led to a rise in myopia among children. Myopia or nearsightedness, means seeing distant objects as blurry while close-up objects are clear. It can impact a child's ability to see clearly and poses long-term risks to eye health. The condition occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina. Regular myopia screening for children from a young age is crucial to address this growing concern and, importantly, to prevent high myopia.

If you notice that your child's eyesight is worsening, it's essential to take prompt action to ensure their vision health is properly managed. Here are three important steps to follow:

1. Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Examination

Contact a certified optometrist to schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child. This examination goes beyond a simple vision screening but also identify other vision issues that could impact a child's learning and development – tests to assess refractive errors (such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism), eye coordination, and overall eye health. It's crucial to have a professional evaluate your child's eyesight to determine the exact nature and extent of the problem. Beyond the immediate impact on vision, addressing myopia in childhood can have broader implications for academic performance and overall well-being. Studies have shown that children with uncorrected myopia may struggle academically due to difficulty seeing the board or reading materials. This can lead to frustration, decreased confidence, and reluctance to participate in classroom activities, potentially affecting their social and emotional development.

2. Discuss Treatment Options

Based on the results of the eye examination, your eye care provider will discuss appropriate treatment options. The benefits of early intervention cannot be overstated. Detecting myopia early allows for timely corrective measures such as prescription glasses or contact lenses. Moreover, recent advancements in treatment options, such as myopia management lenses and Orthokeratology (Ortho-k/OK) night lenses can help slow down the progression of myopia in children, reducing their risk of developing high myopia and its associated complications. Myopia management solutions should be effective and comfortable, provide clear vision, and look good. Children can still have fun with minimal restrictions.

Myopia Management Prescription Lenses or Contact Lenses: Progress in traditional prescription lenses and contact lenses has resulted in the creation of myopia management glasses and contact lenses specifically designed for children. These glasses and contact lenses utilize specially designed lenses that include peripheral defocus or other optical techniques to help slow down the advancement of nearsightedness in children.  

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This cornea reshaping therapy involves wearing custom-designed hard contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day. This is a non-invasive method to correct nearsightedness without the need to wear glasses and manages the progression of myopia in children.

Vision Therapy: If your child has problems with eye coordination or focusing, vision therapy exercises may be recommended to improve these skills.

Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops: In some cases, these medicated eye drops may be prescribed to slow down the progression of myopia.

It's essential to understand the pros and cons of each option, including any potential side effects or lifestyle adjustments required, and make an informed decision in consultation with the optometrist or eye care provider. Furthermore, the economic burden of myopia cannot be ignored. The costs associated with corrective lenses, treatments, and potential complications place a significant strain on healthcare systems and families alike. By investing in early detection and management through regular myopia screening, society can mitigate these long-term costs and ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

3. Monitor and Follow Up Regularly

After initiating treatment, it's crucial to monitor your child's progress closely and attend follow-up appointments as recommended by the eye care professional. Vision changes can occur rapidly in children, so regular check-ups are essential to ensure that the chosen treatment is effective and appropriate adjustments are made if necessary.

In addition to these steps, encourage your child to practice healthy eye habits, such as taking breaks from screens with the 20-20-20 rule (20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain from prolonged digital screen use), ensuring proper lighting when reading or studying, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients like vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. By taking proactive steps and seeking professional guidance from a certified eye care professional, you can help manage your child's worsening eyesight effectively and promote their overall eye health and well-being.

In conclusion, myopia screening for children is not merely about ensuring clear vision; it is about safeguarding their future health and well-being. By identifying and addressing myopia early, we can empower children to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Parents, educators, and healthcare providers all play pivotal roles in advocating for regular eye exams and raising awareness about the importance of myopia prevention. Together, we can protect our children's vision and pave the way for a brighter future.