Understanding Myopia & Myopia Control: What Parents Need to Know

Patient Information, Treatment Options & Why Early Action Matters

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Myopia (nearsightedness) affects a child’s ability to see clearly at a distance, impacting school performance and daily life.

What is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?

Myopia is a common vision problem in children where faraway objects appear blurry. This happens when the eyeball is too long or the cornea curves too much, causing light to focus in front of the retina.
Did You Know? Myopia is the most common vision condition in school-aged children.

Why is Myopia Progressing in Children?

 A longer eyeball means the image focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
Factors influencing myopia progression include:
  • More screen time and reading up close
  • Less time outdoors
  • Urban living
  • Genetics (if parents are myopic)
  • Peripheral hyperopia

Why Myopia Control Matters

Myopia is becoming a global epidemic, especially among children. In the U.S., myopia rates have doubled since the 1970s, and in countries like China, over 80% of children are nearsighted.
Unchecked myopia isn’t just about stronger glasses—it increases the lifetime risk of:
  • Retinal detachment
  • Macular degeneration
  • Glaucoma
  • Early cataracts
Even moderate myopia (-3.00D to -5.00D) increases the risk of vision-threatening conditions. That’s why myopia management for children is now considered essential, not optional.

What is Myopia Control?

Myopia control refers to advanced treatment options designed to slow or stop the progression of nearsightedness in children and teens. These scientifically proven methods help prevent long-term vision damage by addressing the underlying causes of myopia.

Myopia Control Treatment Options

At OKO Medical Eyecare, we specialize in evidence-based, customized myopia treatment plans for children. Options include:

1. Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

  • FDA-recognized off-label treatment
  • Used nightly to relax the eye’s focusing mechanism
  • Shown to slow the progression of myopia safely

2. More Outdoor Time

  • At least 1–2 hours of outdoor play daily
  • Natural sunlight supports healthy eye growth and reduces myopia risk

3. Soft Bifocal Contact Lenses

  • Special design shifts the focus to reduce eye elongation
  • Provides mild to moderate myopia control

4. Multifocal Daily Contact Lenses (NaturalVue® or MiSight®)

  • Advanced optics create peripheral myopia to counteract eye growth
  • Ideal for younger children with early-stage myopia
  • Proven results in slowing progression and preserving long-term eye health

5. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Nighttime Lenses

  • Custom gas-permeable lenses worn overnight
  • Reshape the cornea while your child sleeps—no glasses needed during the day
  • Considered one of the most effective myopia control methods available
  • Backed by years of clinical research and success

Why Haven’t You Heard of Myopia Control Before?

Many commercial optical chains focus on selling glasses fast—not preventing myopia from getting worse. Most optometrists and ophthalmologists don’t receive specialized training in myopia management. But at OKO Medical, myopia control is our priority, not an afterthought.

Your Child Deserves More Than Just a New Prescription

At OKO Medical Eyecare, we don’t just correct your child’s vision—we help protect their eyes for life. Our expert team offers the latest in myopia prevention and treatment, backed by science and delivered with care.
Book a Myopia Control Consultation Today Request Appointment