Myopia is a growing vision concern around the world, especially in children. If your child is struggling to see distant objects clearly, they may be developing myopia. The good news is that myopia can be managed and even slowed with the right treatment plan. At Westchester Eyes, we are dedicated to helping patients of all ages preserve their long-term vision.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision, while close-up objects remain clear. Myopia often begins in childhood and tends to progress as children grow. Without intervention, it can worsen year after year and increase the risk of serious eye diseases later in life.

What Is Myopia Management?

Myopia management is a proactive approach designed to slow down the progression of nearsightedness, rather than just correcting vision with glasses or standard contact lenses. This is crucial because high levels of myopia are linked to an increased risk of conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration. By managing myopia early, we can help reduce these long-term risks and promote healthier eyes in the future.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for myopia control. Several effective options are available, and your child’s eye doctor can help determine which one is most suitable. Let’s take a closer look at the most common forms of myopia management.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K involves custom-fitted contact lenses that are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. In the morning, your child removes the lenses and can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without glasses or contacts. Ortho-K is a popular choice because it is non-surgical, effective in slowing myopia progression, and offers daytime freedom from corrective lenses.

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are used at bedtime and have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children. The drops work by relaxing the eye’s focusing mechanism, though the exact way they slow myopia is still being studied. Atropine is especially useful for younger children or those who are not yet ready for contact lenses.

Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses

These specialty soft lenses are worn during the day and have different focusing zones to help control how light enters the eye. By altering peripheral focus, they help reduce the eye’s stimulus to grow longer. Multifocal contacts are a great option for children comfortable with wearing lenses during the day and are proven to reduce myopia progression in many cases.

Which Option Is Most Popular?

Ortho-K remains one of the most popular choices for myopia control due to its combination of effectiveness and convenience. Children enjoy the benefit of clear vision all day without the need for glasses or daytime lenses, and parents appreciate the significant slowing in myopia progression. However, the best option always depends on your child’s individual needs, age, lifestyle, and comfort level.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Myopia management is about more than clear vision today. It’s about protecting your child’s long-term eye health. Whether it’s Ortho-K, atropine drops, or multifocal contact lenses, the key is to start early and stay proactive.

At Westchester Eyes, we’re here to guide you through every step and recommend a personalized myopia management plan that supports your child’s healthy vision. Visit our office in White Plains, New York, or call (914) 567-4800 to book an appointment today.