Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing concern among children in Beaumont, Texas. It affects how they see the world, impacting their ability to perform well in school, engage in daily activities, and maintain long-term eye health. At Texas State Optical, we are committed to providing expert myopia management solutions to help slow its progression and reduce the risk of future eye complications.
Myopia is a common refractive error that makes distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Children with uncorrected myopia may struggle to see the board in class, leading to difficulty focusing, headaches, and eye strain. This can negatively affect their academic performance, making learning more challenging. Studies show that children with undiagnosed vision problems are more likely to experience frustration, fall behind in school, or even develop behavioral issues due to their inability to see clearly.
Early detection is crucial in managing myopia. Regular comprehensive eye exams allow optometrists to identify vision changes before they significantly impact a child’s learning and daily life. A pediatric eye exam can detect myopia early, providing an opportunity for intervention to slow its progression and protect long-term eye health.
Myopia management is a proactive approach to slowing the progression of nearsightedness in children. If left untreated, myopia can continue to worsen over time, increasing the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as:
Retinal detachment
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Myopic maculopathy (degenerative changes in the retina)
By implementing a personalized myopia management plan, we can help reduce these risks and support better vision health for the future. We offer several myopia management treatments to help slow its progression.
Ortho-K lenses are specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. They gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. This non-surgical, reversible treatment allows children to enjoy activities like sports and swimming without the inconvenience of traditional eyewear.
Ortho-K is a highly effective method for controlling myopia progression, and studies have shown that it can significantly slow the elongation of the eyeball, reducing the risk of severe nearsightedness and associated eye health complications later in life.
Low-dose atropine eye drops are used to slow myopia progression by relaxing the eye’s focusing mechanism. This treatment is simple, non-invasive, and has been shown to be effective in reducing the rate at which myopia worsens. Atropine eye drops are typically applied once a day before bedtime, making them an easy option for parents and children alike.
Clinical research has demonstrated that low-dose atropine can slow myopia progression by up to 50%, making it an excellent option for children who may not be ready for Ortho-K or contact lenses. The treatment is often used in combination with other myopia management strategies for optimal results.
MiSight® 1 Day contact lenses are FDA-approved daily disposable lenses designed specifically for myopia control. They not only correct vision but also help slow the progression of myopia in children. These lenses utilize a unique optical design that reduces eye strain and helps manage the eye’s growth, addressing myopia at its source. Because they are daily disposables, they offer a hygienic and low-maintenance solution, reducing the risk of infections that can come with reusable contact lenses.
MiSight® lenses are ideal for children who are comfortable with wearing contacts and provide a safe, proven way to manage myopia progression while ensuring clear, crisp vision throughout the day.
At Texas State Optical, we are committed to delivering exceptional eye care for children and families in Beaumont. Our experienced optometrists utilize the latest technology and evidence-based treatments to create customized myopia management plans tailored to each child's unique vision needs. Through comprehensive pediatric eye exams, we focus on early detection to identify and address myopia before it progresses. With a compassionate and knowledgeable team dedicated to long-term eye health, we ensure that every child receives the highest level of care to protect and preserve their vision.
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia or you have concerns about their vision, schedule a myopia management consultation at Texas State Optical in Beaumont today