What Are the Best Strategies to Slow Down Myopia Progression?

Myopia is becoming increasingly common in children and young adults. As this condition progresses, it can significantly affect not only vision but also long-term eye health. Fortunately, advancements in optometry have led to a variety of effective strategies to slow myopia progression. At VisualEyes, we help our patients maintain the clearest vision possible through personalized care and leading treatments.

What Is Myopia Management and Why Is It Important?

Myopia management is a specialized area of eye care focused on slowing down the progression of nearsightedness. Rather than simply correcting blurry distance vision with glasses or contacts, myopia management aims to reduce the risk of severe myopia, which can lead to complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration later in life.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are essential for early detection of myopia. Children may not always recognize or communicate changes in their vision, which is why proactive screenings are necessary. Early diagnosis allows your eye doctor to begin appropriate myopia management strategies before the condition worsens.
 

We recommend comprehensive annual eye exams for children and encourage parents to schedule an appointment if they notice any signs of vision difficulty, such as squinting, sitting too close to screens, or complaints of blurry distance vision.

Low Dose Atropine Eye Drops

One of the most researched and widely used methods for myopia control is low dose atropine eye drops. These medicated drops are applied nightly and work by slowing down the elongation of the eye, which is the structural change responsible for increasing myopia. Atropine has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for children and is often part of a broader myopia management plan.

MiSight 1 Day Contact Lenses

MiSight 1 Day contact lenses are the first and only FDA approved soft contact lenses proven to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8 to 12 at the initiation of treatment. These lenses offer the dual benefit of clear vision correction and myopia control. They are easy to use, with a fresh pair applied each day, making them a convenient option for children and teens with active lifestyles.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K lenses are specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. In the morning, the lenses are removed, and your child can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K not only provides daytime visual freedom but also helps slow the progression of myopia, making it an excellent option for many patients.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Slowing the progression of myopia requires a proactive and individualized approach. With treatments like low dose atropine, MiSight 1 Day contact lenses, and Ortho-K, along with regular eye exams, VisualEyes is here to support your child’s long-term eye health. We will work closely with you to determine the most effective strategy based on your child’s specific needs.

Schedule a pediatric eye exam with VisualEyes to learn more about our myopia management treatments and take the first step in protecting your child’s vision for the future. Visit our office in Fayette, Tuscaloosa, or Demopolis, Alabama. Call (205) 932-5286, (205) 861-2020, or (334) 289-0466 to book an appointment today.