Myopia Management

Myopia is a condition where distant objects appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. It typically develops during childhood and often progresses throughout the school years as the eye continues to grow.

Children with myopia may:

* Squint when looking at distant objects
* Sit very close to the television
* Hold books or digital devices close to their face
* Have difficulty seeing the classroom board
* Experience headaches or eye strain
* Need frequent prescription updates

Why Is Myopia Management Important?

Many parents assume stronger glasses are simply part of growing up. However, increasing myopia is more than just an inconvenience.

Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased lifetime risk of serious eye conditions, including:

* Retinal detachment
* Glaucoma
* Myopic macular degeneration
* Cataracts

The goal of myopia management is not just clearer vision today—it's helping reduce the risk of future eye disease by slowing excessive eye growth during childhood.

How Does Myopia Management Work?

Every child is different, so treatment is tailored to their individual needs. During a comprehensive eye examination, your optometrist will assess your child's prescription, eye health, family history, and lifestyle before recommending the most appropriate management plan.

Treatment options may include:

Specialty Contact Lenses

Certain soft contact lenses are specifically designed to help slow myopia progression while providing clear vision throughout the day.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

These specially designed rigid contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the front surface of the eye. During the day, children can enjoy clear vision without wearing glasses or contact lenses.

Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

Prescription atropine eye drops may help slow myopia progression in many children. They are often used alongside other management strategies depending on the child's needs.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Research suggests that spending more time outdoors and taking regular breaks during prolonged near work may help support healthy visual development. Encouraging balanced screen habits is also an important part of protecting children's vision.

Who Is a Candidate for Myopia Management?

Children are often good candidates if they:

* Have recently been diagnosed with myopia
* Have a prescription that continues to increase each year
* Have one or both parents with myopia
* Spend significant time reading or using digital devices
* Are between approximately 6 and 16 years of age

Early intervention often provides the greatest opportunity to slow progression.

What Happens During a Myopia Management Consultation?

A myopia management consultation includes more than a routine vision test. Your optometrist will perform detailed measurements of your child's eyes, evaluate how quickly their prescription is changing, discuss lifestyle factors, and explain available treatment options.

Once a personalized treatment plan is developed, regular follow-up visits allow your child's progress to be monitored and adjustments made if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can myopia be cured?

No. Current treatments cannot reverse myopia permanently, but they can often slow its progression and help reduce the amount of prescription change over time.

Will my child still need glasses?

Some treatments still require glasses or contact lenses for clear vision, while others, such as orthokeratology, provide daytime vision correction without glasses. Your optometrist will recommend the option that best fits your child's needs.

Is myopia management safe?

When prescribed and monitored by an experienced optometrist, myopia management treatments have well-established safety profiles. Regular follow-up appointments are an essential part of successful treatment.

Invest in Your Child's Future Vision

Myopia management is about more than helping your child see clearly today—it's about protecting their vision for years to come. Starting treatment early can make a meaningful difference in slowing myopia progression and supporting lifelong eye health.

If your child has recently been diagnosed with myopia or their prescription continues to increase each year, schedule a myopia management consultation with Dr. Canlas and our team. We'll evaluate your child's vision, discuss the available treatment options, and create a personalized plan to help protect their long-term eye health.