Myopia: What Should Parents Look For?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision problem among adults and kids alike. And today it’s on the rise, especially in children. Many eye health professionals call it an epidemic. Worst of all, unmanaged myopia as a child can increase risk of serious eye health issues, even vision loss, as adults.
Myopia is also hereditary - if one parent is myopic, their kids are twice as likely to be. If both parents are myopic, their kids are four times as likely. Parents may not even realize their child is myopic until they start school, when the condition becomes more evident. The student can see up close but struggles to see the board or read things from a distance.
Parents should be on the lookout for other signs pointing to their child’s possible myopia - such as holding personal electronic devices close to the face, squinting or closing one eye when trying to read, frequent headaches or eyes that appear to be constantly watery.
You can help your child win the lifelong battle with myopia by getting them the eyecare they need early on. Being diligent with routine eye exams is a great way to start your kids on the path to a lifetime of good choices and healthy eyes. Schedule your child’s back-to-school eye exams along with their physicals.
If your child’s well-vision exam shows myopia or the potential for myopia to develop, you should expect to discuss myopia management with their doctor. Call the Myopia Management Center at Dunes Eye Consultants today at 605.232.6900 and help start your child on the path to a lifetime of healthy eyecare.