Optometry Vision Therapy Center
Eye Associates
 

Protect your child's future vision!

Myopia Control.

Proactive Solutions to Slow Nearsightedness Progression in Kids and Safeguard Long-Term Eye Health.

Schedule a Consultation What is Myopia?

Is Your Child's Nearsightedness Getting Worse? You're Not Alone.

If your child's glasses prescription seems to get stronger every year, you're experiencing a common concern for many parents. Nearsightedness, or myopia, is more than just blurry distance vision; it often progresses rapidly in children, leading to stronger prescriptions and, critically, increasing the risk of serious eye health issues later in life, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.

The good news: You Can Take Control.

At Eye Associates, we offer advanced Myopia Control programs designed specifically to slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children. Our personalized approach aims to stabilize their vision, reduce future risks, and give them the gift of clearer sight for years to come. It's about more than just correcting vision; it's about protecting their eye health for life.

Personalized Myopia Control Options for Your Child

No two children are alike, and neither are their eyes. That's why we offer a range of safe, effective, and evidence-based myopia control treatments. After a comprehensive eye exam and discussion, we'll recommend the best approach tailored to your child's unique needs and lifestyle.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses

These specially designed rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. They remove the need for glasses or contacts during the day, offering freedom for school, sports, and play. Ortho-K has been proven to significantly slow myopia progression.

Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses

Similar to regular soft contact lenses, these lenses have different powers in various zones, designed to correct central vision while sending a signal to the peripheral retina that can slow eye growth. Worn daily, they provide clear vision and active myopia management.

Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

A non-invasive treatment, low-dose atropine eye drops are administered nightly to help slow the elongation of the eye, which is a primary cause of myopia progression. This treatment can be used alone or in conjunction with other methods for enhanced control.

More Than Just Clear Vision: The Benefits of Myopia Control

Discover the advantages of proactive eyecare:

  • Slowed Nearsightedness Progression: Fewer prescription changes, potentially less dependency on strong glasses.
  • Reduced Risk of Future Eye Diseases: Proactively lowers the chances of serious conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment associated with high myopia.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Freedom for sports, activities, and daily life without the constant worry of worsening vision.

Why choose Eye Associates for Myopia Control?

  • Personalized Care: Our experienced doctors create a tailored treatment plan for your child's unique eyes and lifestyle.
  • Advanced Training: We are a forward-thinking optometric practice dedicated to cutting-edge vision therapy and treatments.
  • Compassionate Approach: We understand your concerns and provide clear, reassuring guidance every step of the way.

The Difference Myopia Control Can Make

Understanding the impact of myopia progression is key to appreciating the benefits of control. See how proactive treatment can change your child's visual future.

Untreated Myopia Progression

Year 1: Mild Nearsightedness (-1.00D)
Vision: Slightly blurry at distance.
Year 3: Moderate Nearsightedness (-3.00D)
Vision: Significantly blurrier. Dependence on glasses increases.
Year 5: High Nearsightedness (-5.00D)
Vision: Very poor without correction. Increased risk for eye diseases like glaucoma or retinal detachment.

Myopia Control Treatment

Year 1: Mild Nearsightedness (-1.00D)
Vision: Clear with treatment. Progression managed.
Year 3: Stable/Reduced Progression (-1.50D)
Vision: Continues to be clear. Reduced increase in prescription.
Year 5: Long-Term Stability & Eye Health
Vision: Minimized progression. Significantly reduced risk of future eye diseases. Enhanced freedom.

Your Questions About Myopia Control, Answered

What exactly is myopia control?

Myopia control refers to focused treatments aimed at slowing down or stopping the progression of nearsightedness (myopia) in children. Unlike regular glasses or contact lenses that only correct blurry vision, myopia control therapies actively work to inhibit the elongation of the eye, which is the primary cause of worsening myopia.

Is myopia control safe for my child?

Yes, the myopia control treatments offered at Eye Associates are safe and FDA-approved (or commonly prescribed off-label with extensive research supporting their safety and efficacy). Our doctors conduct thorough examinations and monitor your child's progress closely to ensure optimal safety and results.

At what age should myopia control begin?

Early intervention is key for effective myopia control. We typically recommend starting treatment as soon as myopia is diagnosed, often in children as young as 6-8 years old, but it can be beneficial for older children and teenagers as long as their myopia is still progressing.

How effective are these treatments?

Clinical studies show that myopia control treatments can slow the progression of nearsightedness by 50% to 80% on average. Individual results can vary, but the goal is always to significantly reduce the rate at which myopia worsens, protecting long-term eye health.

How long will my child need myopia control treatment?

Myopia control treatment usually continues until a child's eyes have stopped growing and their myopia has stabilized, which typically occurs in the late teens or early twenties. Our doctors will guide you through this process and recommend when it's appropriate to cease treatment.

Are these treatments covered by insurance?

Coverage for myopia control treatments varies by insurance plan. While standard vision correction may be covered, the specialized nature of myopia control can sometimes fall under medical benefits. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly, and our team is happy to assist you with understanding your benefits and submitting claims.