When to Start Myopia Management

Myopia is a prevalent issue, affecting an estimated 2.6 billion people worldwide, and its prevalence is on the rise. As the eye continues to grow during childhood and adolescence, myopia can worsen over time, leading to higher prescriptions and an increased risk of sight-threatening complications.

Risks of Untreated Myopia

Untreated myopia can have serious long-term consequences for your eye health and vision. As your prescription increases, you face a higher risk of developing conditions such as:
 

• Retinal Detachment: The stretching of the eye associated with myopia can cause the retina to thin and become more susceptible to tears or detachment, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
• Cataracts: Myopia is a risk factor for the development of cataracts, which are clouding of the eye's natural lens, and can significantly impair vision.
• Glaucoma: The increased eye pressure associated with myopia can contribute to the development of glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
• Macular Degeneration: Myopia is a major risk factor for the development of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

These sight-threatening conditions underscore the importance of managing myopia from an early age to prevent or delay the onset of these complications and preserve your long-term eye health.

The Benefits of Myopia Management

Myopia management is a proactive approach to controlling the progression of nearsightedness, with the goal of slowing or even halting the worsening of your vision over time. By slowing the progression of myopia, you can significantly lower your risk of developing sight-threatening conditions like retinal detachment, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Maintaining a stable, manageable level of myopia can improve your day-to-day visual function, making it easier to perform tasks like driving, reading, and using digital screens. Additionally, investing in myopia management can help you avoid the need for more complex and costly treatments down the line, such as surgery or specialized lenses for advanced myopia.

When to Start Myopia Management

The optimal time to begin myopia management is during the critical period of childhood and adolescence, when the eye is undergoing rapid growth and development. Typically, this means starting myopia management between the ages of 6 and 16, when the risk of myopia progression is highest.
 

However, the specific timing for initiating myopia management can vary depending on several factors, including:
 

• Age of Onset: Children who develop myopia at a younger age, such as 6-8 years old, may benefit from earlier intervention to slow the progression of the condition.
• Parental History: If you or your child have a family history of myopia, it's important to consider starting myopia management at an earlier age, as genetic factors can play a significant role in the development and progression of the condition.
• Rate of Progression: Closely monitoring your child's vision and the rate at which their myopia is worsening can help determine the appropriate time to begin myopia management. Faster-progressing myopia may warrant earlier intervention.

Taking Control of Myopia with the Help of Delta Eye Care 

Myopia is a prevalent and potentially sight-threatening condition, but with the right approach to myopia management, you can take control of your vision and safeguard your long-term eye health. By starting myopia management at the optimal time, you can slow the progression of nearsightedness and reduce the risk of developing serious complications later in life.

Don't wait until it's too late, schedule a consultation with Delta Eye Care to discuss your myopia management options and start taking control of your vision. Together, we can ensure a brighter, clearer future for your eyes. Visit our office in Allen, Texas, or call (469) 250-2021 to book an appointment today.