Bright Eyes, Bright Futures: Non-Glasses Options For Myopia In Children

In a world where mobile devices have become an inseparable companion, it’s no surprise that more and more children have been diagnosed with myopia or nearsightedness. The digital age has ushered in a new era of challenges for young eyes, as prolonged hours spent in front of device screens contribute to the growing prevalence of this eye condition.

As parents and caregivers, your desire to care for your children’s eyes is understandable. But guess what? You no longer have to rely on just regular glasses to make sure they can see clearly.

In this article, you will learn other ways to help kids with nearsightedness see better beyond wearing glasses.

Myopia In Children: Why You Should Care

Imagine a classroom full of children, their eyes focused on books and screens, absorbing knowledge. Now imagine many of these children struggling to see clearly beyond the page in front of them. This is the reality of myopia, a condition that is becoming more common among school-age kids.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is like looking through a camera that’s always zoomed in. It makes far-away things appear blurry.

Several factors contribute to the rise of myopia. Genetics can play a role — if the parents have myopia, there’s a higher chance the child will, too.

Lifestyle also matters, of course. Spending too much time indoors, glued to screens, and not enough time outdoors can increase the risk. This is an important thing to know because it means there are things we can do to help prevent myopia.

Why is this a big deal? Well, myopia isn’t just about blurry vision.

It can affect a child’s daily life in many ways. It can affect their ability to study and cause them to feel left out when they can’t join outdoor games because they can’t see well. This can impact their learning, confidence, and even social interactions.

But here’s the good news: Catching myopia early and taking steps to manage it can make a big difference. That’s why immediate treatment is necessary.

5 Ways To Deal With Myopia Beyond Eyeglasses

Do you want to go beyond eyeglasses for your child’s myopia treatment? Here are some of the best treatment options available:

1. Ortho-K Lenses

Orthokeratology is a procedure that uses Ortho-K lenses – special contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea and are mostly worn while kids sleep. This reshaping helps them see clearly during the day without needing to wear glasses.

These lenses are customised to fit each child’s eyes perfectly. They help slow down the progression of myopia. This means that a child’s prescription might not change as quickly, which is great news for parents and kids alike.

2. Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses provide a unique approach to myopia treatment. These lenses have distinct power zones, enabling kids to see clearly at different distances. They not only correct nearsightedness but can also be used to address other refractive errors and visual conditions like astigmatism.

Multifocal lenses are disposable. You can choose among those that need to be replaced daily, monthly, bimonthly, or between specific lens replacement schedules. Visiting your trusted eye clinic in Dubai can help you decide which is best for your little one.

3. MiSight

MiSight is the first FDA-approved contact lens designed to manage children’s myopia progression. These soft, disposable lenses are worn during the day and discarded at night.

MiSight lenses feature concentric rings that modify how light enters the eye, encouraging proper growth and reducing the risk of myopia worsening.

These lenses require consistent wear for optimal results – around 10 hours a day, six days a week. While they can be challenging to handle, especially for young children, proper hygiene practices can minimise the risk of complications.

4. Dietary Changes

Eating healthy foods like organic fruits and vegetables can keep your child’s eyes healthy. Nutrient-rich foods support eye development and protect against vision problems.

Vitamins A, C, and E and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin contribute to optimal eye health.

Including green leafy vegetables, colourful fruits, and omega-3 fatty acid sources can enhance eye health. On the other hand, inflammatory foods, such as processed grains and sugary snacks, should be limited to maintain good eye health.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments

Besides making sure they eat eye-friendly foods and use specialised contact lenses, helping your kids make small lifestyle changes can also have a positive effect on their eyesight. This can include the following:

  • Reducing eye strain – Limiting screen time, getting enough sleep, maintaining good nutrition, and taking regular breaks from close-up tasks can help lessen eye strain and promote better vision.
  • Staying physically active – Physical activity boosts blood circulation and controls inflammation, contributing to healthier eyes. This means encouraging kids to engage in sports and outdoor play can support their eye health.
  • Spending enough time outdoors – Outdoor time provides valuable exposure to natural light and supports eye development. Spending time outdoors, even if not directly focusing on close tasks, can positively impact children’s vision.

Bright Eyes, Bright Futures

Ortho-K lenses, multifocal contacts, and MiSight help pave the way for clearer vision and brighter days for your kids. By making smart diet choices, embracing active lifestyles, and spending time outdoors, you can keep their eyes shining and their worlds vivid as they move towards a brighter future.

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