For families in San Bernardino, keeping up with routine eye exams is essential, especially for children who may be developing myopia or nearsightedness. While glasses or contact lenses can correct vision, many parents are surprised to learn that untreated myopia can raise the risk of serious eye diseases later in life. Understanding these risks and knowing when to take action can make a lasting difference in your child’s eye health.
 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. As a result, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This leads to blurry distance vision, which may affect a child’s ability to see the board at school, participate in sports, or safely navigate their surroundings.
 

Risks of Untreated Myopia

Mild myopia may seem manageable with glasses or contact lenses, but higher levels of myopia can increase the risk of developing other serious eye conditions, including:

• Retinal Detachment: Elongated eyes can cause the retina to stretch and thin, making it more prone to tears or detachment.

• Glaucoma: Myopia can increase intraocular pressure, a known risk factor for glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss if not treated early.

• Cataracts: People with high myopia may develop cataracts earlier than those with normal vision.

• Myopic Macular Degeneration: A severe complication where the central part of the retina deteriorates, potentially leading to permanent vision loss.

These risks make it essential to go beyond basic vision correction and take proactive steps to manage myopia’s progression.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management

Myopia management is a proactive approach to slow the progression of nearsightedness, especially in children and teens. At Premier Eye Care Optometry, we offer advanced treatment options such as:

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops are applied nightly to relax the eye's focusing mechanism. Clinical studies show they can slow myopia progression significantly with minimal side effects.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): These custom-fitted contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear daytime vision without lenses while helping slow the elongation of the eye.

Both options are safe and effective for children showing signs of progressive myopia.
 

When to Consider Myopia Treatment

If your child is experiencing frequent prescription changes, squinting, holding objects close to their face, or complaining of headaches or blurry distance vision, it may be time to consider myopia management. Starting treatment at a young age gives us the best chance to protect long-term eye health and reduce the risk of future complications.
 

Protect Your Child’s Vision for the Future

While glasses can help your child see better today, managing myopia helps protect their vision for years to come. We are committed to helping families take control of their child’s eye health through personalized and effective myopia management strategies.

Schedule a pediatric eye exam with Premier Eye Care Optometry to find out if your child could benefit from myopia management. Visit our office in San Bernardino, California or call (909) 757-0700 to book an appointment today.