Treating Myopia

Myopia Management

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Children and young adults many times don't realize that they have issues with their vision. Many kids don’t complain about their eyesight; either because they think blurry vision is normal, or they’ve found ways to adapt, like sitting closer to the TV or holding books close to their face. That’s why regular eye checks are so important, even if your child hasn’t said anything about their vision.

The sooner myopia is detected, the better. If myopia is picked up early. There are now safe and effective treatments that can slow down how quickly it worsens, helping protect your child’s vision for the long term.

Left untreated, myopia can progress quickly, leading to stronger glasses and an increased risk of serious eye problems in adulthood like retinal detachment or glaucoma.

Taking action early gives your child the best chance of keeping their eyes healthy and their vision clear—now and in the future!

Myopia Treatment Options

Treating myopia is more than just getting a pair of eyeglasses. Children as young as 5–6 years old can begin myopia treatment, especially if there's a family history or rapid progression. Some treatment options for managing myopia in children and young adults include:

Eyeglasses
Contact lenses
Atropine eye drops
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) / Corneal refractive therapy (CRT)
Vision therapy
Lifestyle and dietary changes

The good news is that with regular eye exams, vision therapy, and myopia management, you can regain clear vision while decreasing your risk of developing an ocular disease. Book your appointment today!

Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses are the most common and straightforward way to restore clear distance vision. If your child's myopia is mild, you may only need glasses for specific activities like driving or watching TV. Most people start with single-vision lenses, which offer clear vision at all distances. If your child's myopia seems to be increasing at a notable rate each time they come in for their annual exams, then special myopic lenses may be the solution.

Essilor Stellest™ Lenses

Essilor® Stellest™ lenses are the newest advanced spectacle (glasses) lenses designed to help slow the progression of myopia in children. Using innovative lens technology backed by clinical research, Stellest lenses provide clear vision while actively managing myopia throughout the day. A simple, non-invasive solution for protecting your child’s long-term eye health. They look and feel like regular eyeglass lenses, making them easy for children to adapt to and wear consistently. A safe, non-invasive option to support your child’s long-term eye health and visual development.

For more information on Essilor® Stellest™ lenses, click here or watch the video attached below.

Contact Lenses

Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT)

Millions of people use contact lenses every day to correct vision issues like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. However, not everyone wants to wear lenses during the day or pursue surgical options like LASIK. For individuals with mild to moderate myopia, Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) also known as orthokeratology or Ortho-K offers a non-surgical alternative. This treatment uses specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight.

Ortho-K Lenses

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are specially designed FDA approved contact lenses that your child or teenager wears while sleeping. Overnight, they gently reshape the cornea to correct nearsightedness, allowing your child to see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts. It is a safe, non-surgical way to protect your child’s vision and future eye health.

If your child stops wearing the lenses, their cornea gradually returns to its original shape, and their vision will go back to its previous level of nearsightedness. This makes Ortho-K a non-permanent, non-surgical option an appealing choice for parents who want flexibility while managing their child’s myopia.

Eye Drops

Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine eye drops are commonly used in children for several eye conditions. They can improve high myopia in children, treat lazy eye, and reduce eye inflammation.

These drops offer a gentle and effective alternative to contact lenses for myopia control. Not all children are comfortable or capable of wearing lenses - especially overnight or during the day at school, this is where eye drops come in to play.

Low-dose atropine drops are simple to use, usually given once a day at bedtime, and are well-tolerated by most children. They don’t require the same level of daily handling or hygiene as contact lenses, making them a convenient option for busy families with young children.