Why slowing myopia matters
Myopia (nearsightedness) happens when the eye stretches too long. More and more children have it. Once it starts, it usually gets worse each year until the late teens.
It’s not only about thicker glasses. Strong nearsightedness raises the risk of serious eye problems later in life, such as a detached retina, glaucoma and damage to the center of the retina. Slowing it in childhood lowers that risk later in life.
Treatment options
Based on your child’s age, prescription and habits, treatment can include:
- Myopia control contact lenses, worn during the day
- Myopia control glasses, with lenses designed to slow eye growth
- Low-dose atropine eye drops, used once a day at bedtime
Some children do best with one treatment, and some with two together. We’ll explain each option and help you choose.
How we track progress
Myopia management is not a one-time visit. At regular check-ups we measure your child’s eyes and change the treatment if needed. That way you can see how it’s working.
Habits that help
Treatment works best alongside healthy habits at home:
- Time outdoors. Daylight and looking far away are good for growing eyes. Aim for time outside every day.
- Breaks from close work. Every 20 minutes of reading or screen time, have your child look across the room or out a window.
- Distance from screens. Hold tablets and phones at arm’s length, not close to the face.
Is your child a good candidate?
It may be a good fit if:
- Your child is nearsighted
- Their prescription changed in the past year
- One or both parents are nearsighted
Book a myopia consultation and we’ll let you know.
Worried your child's vision keeps getting worse?
Same-week appointments · Book online any time, or text us
“The doctor took his time and answered all my questions. He gave me multiple options to get my new prescription with my insurance.”
Frequently asked questions
At what age should myopia management start?
The earlier the better. Nearsightedness usually gets worse fastest between about ages 6 and 14. Starting treatment as soon as we find it helps the most.
Is myopia management safe?
The treatments we use have been widely studied and are used for children around the world. Dr. Berger will explain the pros and cons of each one so you can choose what fits your family.
Will regular glasses slow my child's myopia?
No. Regular glasses and contacts fix blurry vision, but they don't slow how fast the eye is changing. Myopia management treatments are made to do that.
Does myopia management cure nearsightedness?
No. It slows down how fast nearsightedness gets worse. Your child will still need glasses or contacts to see clearly, but their prescription should grow more slowly.
How long does treatment last?
Most children continue until their eyes stop growing, usually in the late teens. We check progress at each visit and adjust the plan as your child grows.