As more children are diagnosed with nearsightedness or myopia at an early age, parents are increasingly seeking effective ways to manage the condition and protect their child’s long-term vision. At GrandView Eyecare, we believe early intervention and a customized treatment plan are key to preserving your child's vision for years to come.

What Is Myopia Control and Why Is It Important?

Myopia is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. This condition typically begins in childhood and can progress rapidly as the eyes grow. If left unmanaged, high levels of myopia can significantly increase the risk of vision-threatening eye diseases in adulthood.
 

Myopia control is not just about correcting vision with glasses or contact lenses. It is a proactive strategy that involves specialized treatments to slow or even halt the progression of the condition. The goal is to reduce the final level of myopia your child will reach, which can significantly impact their eye health later in life.
 

Atropine Eye Drops

One of the most studied methods of myopia control is low-dose atropine eye drops. These drops are typically applied once daily and work by relaxing the eye's focusing mechanism. Research shows that low concentrations of atropine can significantly slow the progression of myopia with minimal side effects. They are a great option for children who are not ready for contact lenses or who prefer a non-lens-based treatment.

Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses

Multifocal soft contact lenses are specially designed lenses that provide different zones of focus within the lens. These lenses help reduce eye strain and encourage the eyes to focus in a way that can slow the elongation of the eyeball, which is the main cause of myopia progression. They are a comfortable and effective option for children who are ready for contact lens wear and can adapt well to them.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Beyond convenience, Ortho-K has been shown to significantly slow the progression of myopia in children and is ideal for active kids who prefer a lens-free lifestyle during the day.

Which Myopia Control Method Is Best?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to managing myopia. Each child’s eyes and lifestyle are unique, which is why a comprehensive eye exam is essential. During the exam, we will evaluate your child’s current vision, family history, and rate of myopia progression to recommend the most appropriate treatment option.

Protect Your Child’s Vision at GrandView Eyecare

Myopia control is a critical part of protecting your child’s vision and long-term eye health. With modern treatment options such as atropine eye drops, multifocal contact lenses, and Ortho-K, there are effective ways to slow the progression of myopia. 

Schedule a pediatric eye exam with GrandView Eyecare for a customized myopia control plan to support their vision. Visit our office in Fairbury or Hebron, Nebraska. Call (402) 729-6162 or (402) 768-6651 today.