Myopia Management in Children and Young Adults

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​Myopia is becoming more common in children, and it often starts during the primary school years. Children with myopia can see things up close clearly, but distant objects like the whiteboard at school or signs across the street look blurry.
Because myopia tends to get worse as children grow, early detection is key.
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Children many times don't realize that they have issues with their vision. Many children 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.

image: https://reviewofmm.com/the-global-myopia-awareness-coalition-what-it-is-and-why-it-matters/infographics-of-myopia/

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, glaucoma, or macular

​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.

Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses

Eyeglasses are the most common and straightforward way to restore clear distance vision. If your 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. In some cases, especially for people over age 40 or those with focusing issues, bifocal or multifocal lenses may be recommended. These lenses have different zones to help you see clearly up close and far away.

Contact lenses correct vision just like glasses, but they offer a wider field of view and may feel more natural during sports or social situations. They sit directly on the eye, so proper cleaning and hygiene are essential to avoid infections or other complications.

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.

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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.

Our doctor takes a personalized, focused approach to managing your child’s myopia with Ortho-K, using advanced corneal mapping and custom-fitted lenses to ensure safe, effective, and comfortable treatment. With close monitoring and regular follow-ups, we tailor care to support your child’s long-term eye health and clear vision.

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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 (amblyopia), and reduce eye inflammation.

These drops offer a gentle and effective alternative to contact lenses for myopia control. While some children use special contact lenses (like orthokeratology or multifocal lenses) to slow their vision changes, not all children are comfortable or capable of wearing lenses - especially overnight or during the day at school.
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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.

​If your child is showing signs of myopia such as squinting at objects, sitting abnormally close to the TV, or having trouble seeing the board at school—the doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam. Once myopia is confirmed, the doctor will go over treatment options. If your child is in the early stages of myopia (typically between ages 4 and 12), low-dose atropine eye drops may be recommended to slow down how quickly their eyesight changes over time.

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