The Long-Term Risks of Untreated Myopia and How Modern Treatments Can Help

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing concern among children and adolescents, especially with the increased time spent on digital devices and reduced outdoor activity. While glasses and contact lenses can correct blurry distance vision, untreated myopia can pose significant risks to long-term eye health. Fortunately, early detection and modern treatments can help slow its progression and protect your child’s vision well into adulthood.
 

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. This condition occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Myopia typically begins in childhood and may worsen during the school years.
 

Long-Term Risks of Untreated Myopia

If myopia continues to progress unchecked, it can lead to high myopia - a more severe form of the condition associated with serious eye health risks. These risks include:

• Retinal Detachment: The longer the eye becomes, the more stretched the retina becomes, increasing the risk of detachment.

• Glaucoma: People with high myopia are at greater risk for developing glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve.

• Cataracts: Myopic eyes are more prone to early cataract development.

• Myopic Macular Degeneration: This condition can cause irreversible central vision loss in severe cases of myopia.
 

Early Detection Is Key

The earlier myopia is detected, the better the chances of managing it effectively. Pediatric eye exams allow eye doctors to catch signs of myopia early - even before a child complains about blurry vision. We recommend that children have a comprehensive eye exam before starting school. From there, annual exams help monitor vision changes and ensure timely intervention.
 

How Myopia Management Treatments Work

Several proven treatments are available to slow the progression of myopia in children. At Eye Trends Southlake, we provide personalized myopia management plans tailored to each child’s specific needs and lifestyle.

One effective option is Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) - specially designed rigid contact lenses that are worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while the child sleeps, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. Beyond the convenience, Ortho-K has been shown to slow the eye's growth, helping to reduce the long-term risks associated with high myopia.

Another option is MiSight® contact lenses, which are soft, daily disposable lenses FDA-approved to slow the progression of myopia in children. These lenses use innovative optics to reduce the stimulus that leads to eye elongation, addressing not just the symptoms but also the underlying progression of the condition.

For children who may not be ready for contact lenses, low-dose atropine eye drops provide a non-invasive alternative. Applied nightly, these drops have been clinically proven to slow myopia progression and are especially useful for younger patients.
 

Take Control of Your Child’s Vision Health

Untreated myopia can lead to lasting eye health issues that impact quality of life. The good news is that with early detection and the right treatment, you can help preserve your child’s vision and set them up for a lifetime of healthy sight.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Eye Trends Southlake to learn more about myopia management and how we can support your child’s visual development. Visit our office in Southlake, Texas, or call (817) 900-EYES (3937) to book an appointment today.