August 13, 2024

The Importance of Starting Myopia Management Early

Myopia management is a branch of pediatric optometry dedicated to decreasing the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. When a child becomes myopic, the condition often progresses (worsens) every few months. When a child becomes…
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Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy

Myopia management is a branch of pediatric optometry dedicated to decreasing the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children.

When a child becomes myopic, the condition often progresses (worsens) every few months.

When a child becomes myopic at an early age, their myopia tends to progress quickly, leading to higher levels of myopia. The higher myopia, the higher the risk of developing sight-threatening diseases later in life. This is why your child should begin myopia management as soon as possible.

Myopia Control is About Protecting Eye Health

Myopia in children may appear to require nothing more than a pair of glasses to correct blurred vision.

However, as the eye elongates, it stretches the retina, the light-sensitive layer lining the back of the eye. Eventually, this excessive stretching renders the eye more prone to tears, inflammation, the formation of new, weak blood vessels and scarring.

This, in turn, raises the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment and myopic maculopathy – damage to the central retinal area.

When Should Myopia Management Start?

Parents are at times reluctant to start myopia management early as they may believe their child is too young. Does it really matter whether a child has a stronger or weaker prescription if they have to wear glasses anyway?

Actually, it does matter.

The earlier a child becomes myopic, the faster the rate at which their prescription will continue to worsen. Therefore, starting myopia management early, when the myopia is still mild, will have the biggest impact on slowing myopia progression.

Myopia management should begin in children as young as 8 years old.

What is Myopia Management?

Myopia management is an evidence-based program that uses a variety of options to help stop or slow the progression of myopia. Each treatment option for myopia has different advantages and levels of efficacy.

If you’re worried about your child’s myopia, book an assessment to determine whether they can benefit from myopia management. Speak with Opto-Mization, who will advise you on the best treatment options for your child’s vision and lifestyle.

Our practice serves patients from Victoria, Nanaimo, Duncan, and Vancouver Island, British Columbia and surrounding communities.

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Our Victoria Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
200-775 Topaz Ave
Victoria, BC V8T 4Z7
Phone
(250) 590-7384
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thursday:
    8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Friday:
    8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
5.0
Out of 265 Reviews
Our Nanaimo Practice
Opto-Mization Optometry & Vision Therapy
205-1825 Bowen Rd
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
Phone
(250) 591-0270
Fax
250-412-6459
Email
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
  • Monday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday:
    10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Thursday:
    11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Friday:
    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday:
    Closed
  • Sunday:
    Closed
Rating
4.9
Out of 59 Reviews

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  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry focuses on the intricate connection between your visual system and the brain, extending beyond traditional eye care to assess functional vision. This branch of optometry examines how your eyes track, move, coordinate, and how your brain processes depth, motion, and balance. Disruptions in these functions can lead to a range of issues including headaches, migraines, dizziness, balance challenges, post-concussion symptoms, reading difficulties, and attention deficits (ADHD). By exploring these functional areas, we also identify opportunities to enhance performance in activities such as sports, reading speed, and cognitive processes.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a specialized, personalized program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It goes beyond traditional vision therapy to help improve how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • Do you Provide Regular Eye Exams and General Optometric Services?

    Yes, alongside vision therapy and neuro-optometry, we offer comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists perform thorough eye exams to evaluate overall eye health, identify any eye conditions or diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses when beneficial.

  • Who is the Ideal Candidate for Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry?

    Vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation can help individuals of all ages. Whether you’re struggling with visual processing issues, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or have sustained a brain injury, our services might be beneficial for you. Contact us to discuss if our tailored approach can meet your specific needs and goals.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral for an eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step toward understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and eye exams.