What You Need to Know About Myopia and Its Impact on Long-Term Eye Health

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is becoming more and more common among children today. If your child has trouble seeing the board at school or distant objects look blurry, they may be experiencing myopia. Understanding how myopia affects children and taking steps to manage it early on can make a big difference in protecting your child’s eye health now and in the future.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This leads to blurred distance vision. While glasses and contact lenses can correct the vision, myopia itself is a progressive condition that can worsen over time - especially in children and adolescents.

The Long-Term Impact of Myopia

Many people view myopia as a simple inconvenience easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. However, moderate to high myopia can significantly increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including:
 

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Myopic macular degeneration

These conditions can threaten your vision and overall eye health. That’s why managing myopia is about much more than just clearer vision today; it’s about protecting lifelong eye health.

The Importance of Myopia Management

Early intervention can slow the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of developing sight-threatening complications in the future. At Morillo Eye Center, we offer several proven myopia management options, including:
 

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops are prescribed to slow the progression of myopia in children. These drops are used daily and have been shown to significantly reduce myopia progression with minimal side effects.

• Multifocal Contacts or Glasses: Specially designed multifocal contact lenses and glasses help focus light differently in the eye, which can slow down myopia progression while providing clear vision for daily activities.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K involves wearing custom-fitted, rigid contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. Ortho-K is also effective in controlling myopia progression.

Why Early Action Is Essential 

The earlier myopia is detected and managed, the better the long-term outcome for your child’s eye health. Regular eye exams are crucial for catching myopia early and discussing the most appropriate management plan.

Take the First Step in Safeguarding Your Child’s Vision

Myopia is a progressive condition that can have lifelong consequences for eye health if left unchecked. At Morillo Eye Center, we are committed to helping you and your family protect your vision through advanced myopia management options.
 

Contact Morillo Eye Center to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and learn more about our personalized myopia management options. Visit our office in Union City, Passaic, Hackensack, or Newark, New Jersey. Please call (201) 867-0199, (973) 777-7600, (201) 242-8785 or (973) 624-2090 to book an appointment today.