Pediatric Optometry for Children with Myopia

Nearsightedness is a common problem in the United States and can be particularly troublesome to children and adolescents. Pediatric optometry provides treatment to those suffering from nearsightedness and is one of the services available from Dr. Andrew Stone, an optometrist in Columbia.

Understanding Nearsightedness

Also known as myopia, this condition reduces a person’s ability to see objects at a distance. It differs from farsightedness, which reduces close-up vision. It has been estimated that approximately one in 10 children in the United States, ranging from first-graders to high school seniors, suffer from myopia. The condition is related to the shape of the eyeball – if you have myopia, light entering the lens of your eye does not properly focus on the retina, leading to impaired vision.

Problems Associated with Nearsightedness

This condition can make your child unable to see the blackboard at the front of the class. It can also make outdoor activities such as riding a bicycle dangerous. Signs of myopia in children include holding reading material close to the face and sitting close to the television set. Children will not "grow out" of this condition which, if not treated, can lead to more serious vision problems later in life, including cataracts and glaucoma. Parents who suspect that their children are myopic should seek out pediatric optometry services.

Optometrist in Columbia

Some things can be done to reduce the risk of developing myopia. Make sure your child is spending some time outdoors and has proper lighting when indoors. Children should receive regular vision examinations. If myopia is discovered, treatment options are available, most notably the fitting of corrective lenses. In later childhood, youngsters may be able to move on from eyeglasses to contact lenses. Parents in Columbia can help protect the vision of their children by bringing them to Andrew Stone Optometry. For more information on pediatric optometry or to schedule an appointment, call us at (573) 445-7750.