Understanding Myopia & How to Slow Its Progression

Did you know? Myopia, or nearsightedness, affects nearly 1 in 3 people in the U.S. and over 90% of people in some East Asian countries. While common, progressive myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

The good news? Myopia control treatments can help slow down progression—especially in children and young adults.

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a vision condition where near objects appear clear, but distant objects look blurry. People with myopia may find themselves:
👀 Squinting to see road signs or the board at school
📚 Holding books or screens very close to their eyes
⚽ Struggling with sports due to difficulty seeing clearly at a distance

Since myopia worsens more rapidly in childhood, early intervention is key to preserving long-term eye health.

Myopia Control: Treatment Options

🔹 Ortho-K (Orthokeratology)
🌙 How it works: Special gas-permeable contact lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea.
✅ Provides clear vision all day without the need for glasses or contacts
✅ Great for active kids and athletes
✅ Slows myopia progression over time

🔹 Atropine Eye Drops
💧 How it works: Low-dose atropine relaxes the eye muscles to reduce strain and slow down myopia progression.
✅ Especially effective for children
✅ Works alongside glasses or contact lenses
✅ Simple, daily eye drops with proven results

🔹 Multifocal Glasses & Contact Lenses
👓 How it works: These specialty lenses help reduce eye strain and improve focusing ability.
✅ Shown to slow myopia progression over several years
✅ Comfortable, everyday option for kids and adults

Early Treatment Makes a Difference!

If your child is struggling to see clearly at a distance, you may notice:
🔹 Declining grades at school
🔹 Loss of interest in sports or outdoor activities
🔹 Sitting too close to screens or books

👁️ The earlier myopia is managed, the better the long-term results!

​​​​​​​📞 Schedule an appointment today to learn how we can help slow myopia progression and protect your child’s vision.