Myopia Control

Myopia control is a proactive way to slow down nearsightedness (myopia) in children as they grow.

If your child has myopia, it means they can see things clearly up close, but distance vision—like the board at school or road signs—appears blurry. Myopia often starts in childhood and tends to progress as kids grow, especially during the school‑age and early teenage years.

Myopia control focuses on slowing that progression, not just correcting blurry vision with glasses or contacts.

Why Are Eye Doctors Concerned About Myopia?

In the past, myopia was mostly thought of as a simple inconvenience—kids just needed stronger glasses over time. Today, we know that higher levels of myopia increase the risk of eye health problems later in life, including:

• Retinal tears or detachments
• Glaucoma
• Myopic macular degeneration
• Early-onset cataracts

The more myopia progresses during childhood, the higher these risks can become in adulthood. That’s why preventing high myopia matters.

Why Does Myopia Progress in Kids?

Myopia progresses because the eye is still growing. In nearsighted children, the eye tends to grow too long from front to back, and this growth typically continues throughout childhood and early adolescence, with the most rapid changes often occurring between about ages 6 and 14.

Several factors can contribute, including:

• Genetics (one or both parents are nearsighted)
• Long hours of near work (reading, tablets, phones, homework)
• Limited outdoor time

While we can’t change genetics, we can influence how the eye grows.

What Is Myopia Control Trying to Do?

The goal of myopia control is simple:

Slow down eye growth so myopia doesn’t worsen as quickly.

Think of it like orthodontics for the eyes—guiding growth in a healthier direction over time.

Myopia control does not usually stop myopia completely, but it can significantly reduce how much worse it gets, with the end result being that the child often ends up less myopic than they would have if nothing were done.

Myopia Control Treatment Options

There are several proven ways to slow myopia progression. The best option depends on your child’s age, prescription, eye health, and daily routine. Common myopia control options include:

Prescription eye drops
Low‑dose atropine eye drops are used once daily, usually at bedtime. These drops help slow eye growth without affecting distance vision during the day.

NEW - Specialty myopia‑control glasses lenses (Stellest)
These are specially designed spectacle lenses that look like regular glasses but use advanced optics to help guide eye growth while still providing clear vision.

Multifocal soft contact lenses (MiSight)
These daily disposable contact lenses are designed specifically for children. They correct vision and send signals to the eye that help slow myopia progression.

Orthokeratology or Ortho‑K (Euclid)
Ortho‑K lenses are worn overnight and gently reshape the front surface of the eye while your child sleeps. Vision is clear during the day without glasses or contacts, while also slowing myopia progression.

Each of these options is designed not just to help your child see clearly today, but to reduce how nearsighted they may become over time.

When Should Parents Consider Myopia Control?

Myopia control is most effective when started:

• At younger ages
• When myopia is first diagnosed
• During periods of rapid growth

Early intervention gives us the best chance to reduce long‑term risks.

Our Approach

Every child’s eyes are different. If your child is nearsighted or at risk for developing myopia, we evaluate:

• Their current prescription
• How quickly it’s changing
• Family history
• Visual habits (screen time, reading, outdoor time)

From there, we’ll discuss whether myopia control makes sense for your child and review appropriate options together.

The Big Picture for Parents

Myopia control isn’t about stronger glasses—it’s about protecting your child’s long‑term eye health.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s vision or myopia progression, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.