Myopia Control Specialist

Why is Myopia Control Necessary?

Many children and teens who are nearsighted suffer from progressive myopia, which means their vision is growing steadily worse.

With progressive myopia, not only does your child need prescription changes every year, they’re also at risk of developing other eye problems such as:

• Retinal tears
• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts

If you start myopia control early, you can stop these problems from developing, as well as preventing even more serious issues like cataract-induced blindness.

How Does Myopia Control Work?

While myopia control is unique to your child’s needs, your VistaSite Eye Care optometrist may prescribe one of the following treatments:

• Atropine: Atropine eye drops are normally administered every night before your child goes to sleep. Children who take atropine drops generally wear glasses or contacts during the day.
• Orthokeratology Lenses: Orthokeratology lenses are specially designed by your optometrist to remold your child's cornea while they sleep. Consistent nighttime wear of these lenses allows better vision during the day, with no glasses or contact lenses necessary.
• Multifocal Glasses or Contacts: Multifocal glasses and contact lenses contain several different prescriptions in each lens. These lenses can prevent myopia progression while improving your vision.

How Can I Help My Child with Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses, both orthokeratology and multifocal, are often an integral part of myopia control. However, many parents worry about how their child will respond to wearing the lenses.

The best way to start with contact lenses is to have your child watch a demonstration at VistaSite Eye Care. When inserting or removing lenses at home, remind your child about the optometrist's recommendations.

It’s important to never rush with contact insertion or removal. It'll take some extra time in the beginning, but after a few weeks, your child will handle the lenses quickly and easily.

How Long is Myopia Necessary?

Your VistaSite Eye Care optometrist will closely monitor your child's vision while they're undergoing myopia care treatment. Once your child's myopia progression has stopped, they can generally stop using myopia control.

In some cases, the myopia control may work so well that your child no longer needs vision correction at all going forward.

Myopia control can save your child's vision now, and might also prevent major problems in the future. Use the online booking feature or call to schedule your child's visit for myopia control.