What Are the Risks of Untreated Myopia?

Myopia is one of the most common vision conditions in both children and adults. While it may seem like just a minor inconvenience corrected with glasses or contact lenses, untreated myopia can lead to much more serious consequences over time. Understanding the risks and the importance of early intervention is key to protecting lifelong vision.
 

Why Untreated Myopia Matters

When myopia progresses unchecked, the eye continues to grow longer than it should. This elongation increases the risk of developing serious eye diseases, some of which can cause irreversible vision loss. Without proper management, untreated myopia may lead to:

• Retinal detachment - Stretching of the retina can cause tears or detachments.

• Glaucoma - Higher risk of optic nerve damage leading to permanent vision loss.

• Cataracts - Myopia can accelerate cataract development later in life.

• Myopic maculopathy - A condition where the central retina degenerates, threatening sharp central vision.

These complications mean that myopia is more than just blurry distance vision - it’s a long-term health concern.
 

Myopia Management Options

Fortunately, advances in optometry provide effective ways to slow the progression of myopia in children and teens. At Keen Eye Optometry, we offer personalized myopia management plans that may include:

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops are shown to slow down the elongation of the eye. They are easy to use and can be an excellent option for children who may not be ready for contact lenses.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K uses specially designed overnight contact lenses to gently reshape the cornea while you sleep. This not only provides clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts but also helps reduce the progression of myopia.

• MiSight® 1 Day Contact LensesL: These FDA-approved soft contact lenses are specifically designed to manage myopia in children. By altering how light focuses in the eye, they can slow down eye growth while providing clear, comfortable vision.
 

Protecting Your Child’s Vision for the Future

Treating myopia early isn’t just about helping your child see the board at school - it’s about protecting them from potential eye diseases as they grow older. With proper management, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with untreated myopia and preserve long-term eye health.
 

Take the Next Step at Keen Eye Optometry

Untreated myopia is a condition that can have serious effects on eye health over time. With proven myopia management options like atropine eye drops, Ortho-K, and MiSight® 1 day lenses, families have effective tools to safeguard vision.

If your showing signs of nearsightedness, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Keen Eye Optometry to find the right myopia management treat. Contact our office in Chino, California, by calling (909) 393-8838 to book an appointment.