Myopia management or control is a vital component of children’s eye care. It involves slowing down myopia progression. Myopia usually onsets in childhood, and it can worsen until early adulthood. 

In rare cases, the condition begins in early adulthood. When the condition onsets in early childhood, it is more likely to develop into high myopia. As a parent, you may want to know what age you should begin myopia management.

Myopia Management Solutions 

There is no single treatment to stop myopia, but there are ways to slow its progression. Different myopia management remedies range from increasing outdoor time to reducing screen time. Eye specialists offer medical and optical options to manage the condition. 

Options include using special contact lenses, eye drops, and eyeglasses. Each child is unique and requires a management solution tailored to their needs. Monitoring pre-myopic patients help determine when to initiate myopia management. 

When to Begin Myopia Management

There is no age requirement to begin myopia management. The sooner it begins, the better. Ideally, management should begin the moment your child is diagnosed with myopia. It is vital to realize that the disease progresses faster in younger children. 

The condition can continue to progress or worsen every couple of months. It can result in high levels of myopia as the child grows. The eye doctor can conduct tests to determine your child’s myopia levels. 

Optimal Age for Myopia Management

When myopia onsets in early childhood, it progresses much faster. The condition increases exponentially when the child is six or seven. Myopia control techniques are most effective before the child is 12 years old. 

Myopia management continues until tests show that there is no more progression. Improvements in technology have made it possible to detect the risk of myopia, as well as monitor and manage its progression. 

Reducing the Risk of Eye Conditions

Myopia management can help reduce your child’s risk of developing eye conditions. Some eye diseases are severe and can result in permanent vision loss. The sight-threatening diseases include cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. 

If you have a family history of eye diseases, your child has a high risk of developing the same condition. During regular eye exams, an eye specialist will look for early warning signs of the diseases. 

Candidates for Myopia Management

Some factors can help determine if your child is ideal for myopia management. A child or teenager with any level of myopia can benefit from the management. Ideal candidates are kids between six and seven years or responsible children with some level of maturity. 

If the child’s prescription continues to increase annually, they are ideal candidates for the treatment. Your child should be willing and able to care for contacts or glasses. 

Myopia usually stabilizes when an individual is around 21 years old. This is when the eye stops growing. Myopia management helps protect the child from eye conditions that can develop in the future, affecting the child’s vision. The best management solution will vary depending on the patient. The eye doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment for your child. 

For more on beginning myopia management, visit Eyes on Preston Park at our Plano, Texas office. Call (972) 787-2400 to schedule an appointment today.