How to Slow Down Myopia Progression in Children and Teens

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children and teens. This condition causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or when the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Understanding how myopia affects your child and learning ways to slow its progression can help protect their long-term vision.
 

The Impact of Myopia on Learning and Academics

Clear vision is essential for success in the classroom. Children with uncorrected or rapidly progressing myopia may have difficulty reading the board, participating in sports, or keeping up with lessons. This can lead to frustration, lower academic performance, and reduced confidence. Beyond academics, vision problems can impact social activities and overall quality of life.
 

Early Detection Is Key

Myopia can progress quickly during the school years, making early detection and monitoring essential. Pediatric eye exams allow your optometrist to:

• Detect myopia before it significantly impacts vision.

• Monitor changes over time to determine the best treatment approach.

• Identify other potential eye health concerns early on.
   

Even if your child passes a basic vision screening, a comprehensive eye exam can reveal issues those screenings might miss. The earlier myopia is detected, the sooner effective strategies can be put into place.
 

What Is Myopia Control and Why Is It Important?

Myopia control refers to treatments designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and teens. This is important because higher levels of myopia increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Myopic maculopathy (degeneration of the retina)

• Early cataracts
   

By slowing myopia progression, we can reduce these risks and help preserve long-term vision health.
 

Myopia Control Strategies

At Chelsea Vision Associates, we offer several evidence-based methods to help manage myopia progression in children and teens:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): These specially designed contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. This provides clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts and has been shown to slow the progression of myopia.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops, used nightly, can significantly slow the rate of myopia progression in children. This treatment is easy to use and can be combined with other myopia control methods.

• MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses: These FDA-approved soft contact lenses are worn during the day and are specifically designed to slow myopia progression in children aged 8-12 at the start of treatment. They correct vision while providing a treatment benefit.
   

Take the Next Step Toward Protecting Your Child’s Vision

Myopia can affect your child’s learning, confidence, and long-term eye health. The good news is that proven myopia control treatments can make a lasting difference. By scheduling regular pediatric eye exams and exploring available treatment options, you can help protect your child’s vision for years to come.
 

Contact Chelsea Vision Associates to schedule a pediatric eye exam and learn more about our myopia control programs. Visit our office in New York, NY, or call (212) 243-5898 to book an appointment today.