Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition that affects an increasing number of children and adults worldwide. Studies show that half of the population may be myopic by 2050.Â
This condition occurs when the eye grows too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear. At Active Eyes Optometry, we understand myopia's impact on a child’s academic performance and overall quality of life. Early detection and effective management are crucial to ensuring your child’s success in and out of the classroom.
Spotting Myopia Early: Key Symptoms Every Parent Should Know
Myopia often develops in childhood and can progress rapidly during school years. Early detection is essential to managing the condition effectively. Common symptoms of myopia include:
- Blurred Vision at a Distance: Difficulty seeing the board in class or recognizing distant objects.
- Squinting: Squinting to see, especially when looking at something far away, is a common sign of myopia.
- Frequent Headaches: Eye strain from trying to focus on distant objects can lead to headaches.
- Sitting Too Close to the TV or Holding Books Close: Children with myopia may sit close to the TV or hold books and digital devices close to their eyes.
- Eye Rubbing: Frequent rubbing of the eyes can indicate discomfort related to vision problems.
How Myopia Impacts Academic Achievement: Understanding the Classroom Challenges
Undiagnosed or unmanaged myopia can significantly affect a child’s academic performance, as 80% of learning in children is visual. Children who struggle to see the board, read from a distance, or follow along with classroom activities may fall behind their peers. This can lead to frustration, lower self-esteem, a reluctance to participate in school, and being mislabeled as a slow learner.Â
Some key ways myopia can affect school performance include:
- Difficulty Reading the Board: Children with myopia may need help seeing the board clearly, causing them to miss important information during lessons.
- Reduced Attention Span: Eye strain and discomfort from trying to see clearly can make it difficult for children to concentrate, leading to a reduced attention span in class.
- Avoidance of Visual Tasks: Children who struggle with vision may avoid tasks that require excellent distance vision, such as reading aloud or participating in sports.
Effective Myopia Management at Active Eyes Optometry
We offer comprehensive myopia management services designed to slow the progression of myopia and support your child’s visual development to improve their overall quality of life. Our approach includes:
- Corneal Reshaping Therapy: These lenses are a non-invasive solution, worn overnight, as they gently reshape your cornea to correct myopia. These are a fantastic option for children who don’t enjoy wearing glasses, as the lenses work overnight to provide clear vision during the day.
- Atropine Therapy: Low-dose atropine eye drops can help slow myopia progression in children.
- Regular Monitoring: We provide ongoing monitoring of your child’s vision to track the progression of myopia and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Set Your Child Up for Success with Active Eyes Optometry
Myopia is more than just a vision problem; it can affect your child’s academic performance and overall quality of life. Early detection and management are crucial to preventing myopia progression and ensuring your child’s success in school. If your child is showing signs of myopia or struggling in school, contact Active Eyes Optometry at 833-403-5355 to schedule an eye exam at our Surrey office. Let us help your child see clearly and achieve their full potential.