Near-sightedness in Children

Myopia (near-sightedness) is a growing pediatric problem in the United States and around the world. The incidence in children is increasing in many developed and developing countries, especially in the Asian countries, where it is considered to be a major public health problem. Once a child develops myopia, the near-sightedness generally will continue to increase as the child grows. Children and adults with high myopia are at a greater risk of developing ocular conditions that can cause vision problems, such as retinal detachment or myopic macular degeneration.

Many techniques have been tried to slow the progression of myopia including: increased time spent outdoors, undercorrection of the refractive error, bifocal glasses, limited near work, orthokeratology, specialty contact lenses and atropine.  

Pediatric Ophthalmology offers several treatment options for myopia, including atropine and specialty contact lenses.