Myopia Management

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a condition where objects up close appear clear, while those farther away look blurry. It typically develops during childhood and tends to worsen as children grow. Dr. Brianna Herring provides comprehensive care to detect myopia early, support healthy visual development, and help children thrive both academically and socially.

How Myopia Affects Learning and Development

Clear vision is a cornerstone of learning, as more than 80% of what children learn is visual. When a child has myopia, it can hinder their ability to see the board, participate in classroom activities, or stay focused during sports. Left uncorrected, myopia can lead to academic struggles, decreased self-esteem, and missed opportunities for growth both in and out of school.

Recognizing the Signs of Myopia in Children

Many children don’t realize they’re not seeing clearly. That’s why parents should watch for these signs:

• Squinting frequently

• Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close

• Complaints of headaches or tired eyes

• Difficulty seeing distant objects like the board at school

• Avoiding tasks that require distance vision
  
  

If you notice any of these behaviors, it’s time to schedule a comprehensive pediatric eye exam.

The Importance of Regular Pediatric Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are key to early detection and treatment of myopia. Children should get their first eye exam by age one, another between ages 3 and 5, and again before starting kindergarten. After that, they should have annual eye exams to monitor their vision and eye health. At our practices in Deerfield Beach and Plantation, Florida, we use advanced diagnostic tools to identify myopia early, even before it becomes symptomatic and develop a customized treatment plan that fits your child’s needs.

What Is Myopia Management and Why Is It Important?

Myopia management goes beyond simply prescribing glasses. It's a proactive approach to slow the progression of myopia over time. This is vital because higher levels of myopia increase the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and even vision loss. By slowing myopia progression in childhood, we’re not just helping kids see better now; we’re protecting their eye health for the future.

Effective Myopia Management Strategies We Offer

At our offices, we offer several evidence-based myopia management treatments:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): These are specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea and provide clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts. Ortho-K is ideal for active children and athletes.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops, used nightly, can effectively slow the elongation of the eye that causes myopia progression.

• Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: Worn during the day, these lenses correct vision while also providing a therapeutic effect to slow myopia development.
  
  

Each child’s needs are unique, and we’ll work with you to determine the best combination of treatments for your child.

Supporting Families Across South Florida

At our offices in Deerfield Beach and Plantation, we are committed to helping families navigate the journey of myopia management. We provide thorough evaluations, clear education, and compassionate care every step of the way. Our goal is to empower children with better vision and give parents the peace of mind they deserve.

Schedule a pediatric eye exam with Brianna Herring O.D. today and learn how our myopia management solutions can support your child’s vision, development, and success