As laser-assisted surgery is only suitable for individuals whose eye prescriptions are stable, it is not an option for children and teens below the age of 18 whose vision may be constantly changing.
If your child has myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism, and if they are not yet 18 years old, their vision can be corrected by spectacles and contact lenses, with the latter only recommended for children who are old enough to handle them safely.
If your child has myopia, you may want to consider the use of atropine eye drops (see below).
Atropine For Myopia Control
The use of atropine eyedrops has been shown in clinical trials to be effective in slowing down the progress of myopia. This applies to low doses ranging from 0.01% to 0.05%. For higher doses, there may be side effects such as sensitivity to light (due to the dilated pupils) and issues with close vision (due to the reduction of the eye’s focussing ability).
Administration of atropine eyedrops in terms of dosage and frequency will be determined by the doctor. While using the eyedrops, your child is required to have periodic checks to monitor for side effects, fluctuations in intraocular pressure as well as changes in refractive errors.
If you want to verify your child’s suitability for atropine eyedrops, please arrange for an evaluation and consultation with us.