Myopia Management

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Myopia management focuses on slowing the progression of nearsightedness in children rather than simply correcting blurry distance vision. With early detection and personalized treatment, myopia management can help support long-term eye health and reduce the risk of complications associated with high myopia.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition that causes distant objects to appear blurry while nearby objects remain relatively clear. It typically develops when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Myopia often begins during childhood and can progressively worsen as the eyes develop. Genetics, prolonged near work, and limited outdoor activity may contribute to its development. Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular disease.
 

Common Signs of Myopia in Children

Children may not recognize when their distance vision is changing. Common signs include squinting to see distant objects, difficulty reading classroom boards, sitting unusually close to screens, and moving closer to objects to see them clearly.

Some children may also experience eye strain or headaches. However, myopia can develop without noticeable symptoms, making regular eye examinations especially important.

The Importance of Routine Pediatric Eye Exams

Comprehensive pediatric eye exams are essential for detecting myopia early and monitoring changes in a child's vision. Unlike basic school vision screenings, comprehensive exams evaluate refractive errors, visual function, and overall eye health.

Early detection allows our eye doctor to determine whether myopia management is appropriate before significant progression occurs. Regular examinations also help track prescription changes and, when appropriate, eye growth through axial length measurements.

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Myopia Management Treatment Options

Several treatments are available to help slow myopia progression in children. The most appropriate approach depends on age, prescription, eye health, and individual needs.
 

• Essilor Stellest Lenses: These specialized prescription eyeglass lenses use advanced lenslet technology to correct nearsightedness while helping slow myopia progression. They are FDA-authorized for children ages 6 to 12 at the start of treatment.

• Ortho-K (Orthokeratology): Ortho-K involves wearing custom-designed rigid contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clearer daytime vision without glasses. These lenses may also help slow myopia progression. Their use for myopia control is off-label in the United States, and proper lens hygiene is essential to reduce infection risks.

• MiSight 1 Day Contact Lenses: These FDA-approved daily disposable soft contact lenses correct nearsightedness while helping slow its progression in eligible children who begin treatment between ages 8 and 12. They are designed for daytime wear and are discarded after each use.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops may help slow myopia progression by influencing the processes involved in eye growth. This treatment is commonly prescribed off-label in the United States and does not replace glasses or contact lenses. Potential side effects include light sensitivity and temporary near blur.

Monitoring Myopia Progression

Myopia management requires ongoing monitoring to evaluate treatment response and make adjustments when necessary. Regular follow-up examinations help assess changes in vision and eye growth. Healthy visual habits, including spending more time outdoors and taking regular breaks from prolonged near work, may also support myopia management but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Schedule a comprehensive pediatric eye exam to evaluate your child's vision, discuss available myopia management treatments, and develop a personalized plan to help protect their long-term eye health.