Myopia is one of the most common vision conditions worldwide, and its rates are steadily rising - especially among children and young adults. While glasses or contact lenses can correct blurred distance vision, uncontrolled myopia isn’t just an inconvenience. Left unmanaged, it can increase the risk of serious, long-term eye health problems.

At True Vision Optometry, we believe that protecting your vision means addressing more than just today’s prescription. Here’s what you should know about the risks of untreated or progressive myopia and the steps you can take to safeguard your eye health.

What Are the Long-Term Risks of Uncontrolled Myopia?

When myopia progresses unchecked, the eye continues to grow longer than normal. This elongation places stress on the eye’s delicate structures and raises the likelihood of developing potentially sight-threatening conditions, including:

• Retinal detachment - The retina may stretch and thin, making it more vulnerable to tears or detachment.

• Glaucoma - Higher levels of myopia are linked to an increased risk of developing glaucoma, a disease that damages the optic nerve.

• Cataracts - People with high myopia are more likely to develop cataracts earlier in life.

• Myopic macular degeneration - Progressive stretching of the eye can damage the macula (the center of the retina), leading to vision loss.

These conditions can cause irreversible damage, which is why managing myopia early and consistently is so important.

The Role of Pediatric Eye Exams

Scheduling regular pediatric eye exams is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your child’s vision and overall development. Children’s eyes change quickly as they grow, and even small vision problems can affect learning, behavior, and confidence in school or sports. Routine eye exams allow your optometrist to detect early signs of conditions like myopia before they progress. By identifying issues early, treatment can be more effective, helping your child maintain healthy eyesight and setting the foundation for a lifetime of strong vision.

How Myopia Management Can Help

Fortunately, myopia management offers proven methods to slow progression and reduce long-term risks. At True Vision Optometry, we provide personalized plans that may include:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)  - Specially designed overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, giving you clear vision during the day without lenses. Ortho-K has also been shown to slow myopia progression in children.

• Atropine eye drops - Low-dose atropine drops are a simple, effective treatment that can help slow the eye’s growth in children.

• Multifocal contact lenses - These specially designed lenses correct vision while also reducing signals that drive myopia progression.

Encouraging more time outdoors, taking regular breaks from digital screens, and maintaining proper posture when reading also play a role in supporting healthy eyes.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam at True Vision Optometry

Uncontrolled myopia is more than just stronger prescriptions - it’s a lifelong risk factor for serious eye disease. The good news is that proactive myopia management can make a significant difference in protecting long-term vision. Our team is here to guide you and your family with the latest treatments and personalized care plans tailored to your needs.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with True Vision Optometry to learn more about myopia management options for your child. Visit our office in Montebello, California, or call (323) 403-4116 to book an appointment today.