Does Myopia Worsen With Age?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a vision condition where you can see objects that are close clearly. However, things that are farther away appear somewhat blurred. This condition occurs if the cornea is too curved or the eyeball is too long, resulting in the incorrect focusing of the light entering the eye. 
 

According to the American Optometric Association, this condition affects almost 30 percent of people in the United States. The exact cause of nearsightedness is unknown; however, there is evidence that some people inherit the condition. If one or both parents have myopia, there is an increased likelihood that their kids will develop the disease.

 

Why the Progression of Nearsightedness Is a Concern?

Is your child’s sight getting worse? Some kids who develop nearsightedness experience a continual progression of the condition throughout their school years. The cost of new glasses every year and annual eye exams can be a financial strain for many families. However, the long-term risks associated with the condition can be even more significant. 

 

Classification of the Severity of Myopia

Like all other refractive errors, eye doctors measure nearsightedness in optical units known as diopters. Lens powers that correct nearsightedness have a minus sign preceding them, while measurements come in 0.25D increments. 
 

Eye doctors categorize mild myopia, for instance, as -0.25 to -3.00D. Moderate myopia is -3.25 to -6.00D, while severe myopia is greater than -6.00D. The mild form of the condition will not increase your risk for vision problems. However, eye health specialists sometimes link high and moderate myopia with vision-threatening eye problems. 

 

Does It Get Worse With Age?

Many parents tend to consider their kids’ nearsightedness as a simple vision problem. Each time their children require a higher prescription, they fix the problem by purchasing a new pair of glasses. Unfortunately, they fail to understand that this condition can harm a kid’s vision and eyes, especially as their little one ages. 

Why Parents Should Care About Its Progression

Kids with nearsightedness are at a higher risk of developing retinal detachment, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other sight-threatening conditions later in life. If myopia is rapidly progressing, the kid is more prone to developing these eye diseases. Therefore, it is essential to seek treatment before the condition worsens. 
 

Slowing the condition can make a huge difference to your little one’s eye health. If you have a myopic child, you should be aware of a study published in the Journal of Optometry and Vision Science. According to the study, there is a worrying statistic about the condition’s progression. Researchers associated a mere diopter increment in a kid’s prescription with a 67 percent increase in developing myopic macular degeneration. 

Is It Possible to Slow the Progression of Myopia?

Fortunately, it is possible to slow or even halt the progression of myopia. Therefore, there is no reason to wait. Everyone should understand that it is never too early to start fixing nearsightedness. Some of the treatment options available include:

• Laser procedures, such as photorefractive keratectomy or LASIK.

• Eyeglasses.

• CRT.

• Contact lenses.

• Vision therapy for those with stress-related nearsightedness.
  
  
  
   

To learn more about myopia, visit Trinity Eye Care at our office in Plano, Texas. You can also call (972) 895-9260 to book an appointment today.