If your child’s nearsightedness seems to get stronger every year, updating their glasses prescription may not be the only option. Myopia management is designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness during childhood. At Chino Hills Eyecare Optometry, we offer personalized myopia management, including, but not limited to, Ortho-K and MiSight 1 day contact lenses.
The Importance of Myopia Management
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing distant objects to appear blurry. It often begins during childhood and can continue progressing as a child grows.
Traditional glasses and contact lenses correct blurry vision, but they do not address myopia progression. Myopia management uses specialized treatments to help slow how quickly nearsightedness worsens. Slowing progression can help reduce the likelihood of your child developing a very high prescription later in life.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From Myopia Management Treatment
A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to determine whether myopia management is appropriate. Parents may want to schedule an evaluation if their child:
Has a glasses prescription that becomes more nearsighted annually
Has one or both parents who are nearsighted
Struggles to see the board or other distant objects
Squints when looking across the room
Holds screens, books, or other objects unusually close
Has already been diagnosed with progressive myopia
The earlier progressive myopia is identified, the more opportunity we may have to manage its progression while the eyes are still developing.
How Ortho-K Helps Manage Myopia
Ortho-K uses specially designed rigid contact lenses that are worn while your child sleeps. These lenses gently reshape the front surface of the eye overnight. After removing them in the morning, many children can see clearly during the day without glasses or daytime contact lenses. At the same time, the front of the eye is reshaped in a way that slows down the back of the eye’s need to grow longer. It can be especially appealing for active children who participate in sports or prefer not to wear corrective lenses during the day.
How MiSight 1 Day Contact Lenses Work
MiSight 1 day contact lenses are daily disposable soft lenses specifically designed for myopia management in children. Their specialized optical design corrects blurry distance vision while also providing a treatment effect intended to slow myopia progression.
Because a fresh pair is used each day, MiSight can be a convenient option for children who are comfortable wearing daytime contact lenses and can follow proper lens handling and hygiene routines.
Other Myopia Management Options We Offer
Ortho-K and MiSight are not the only choices available. At our practice, we also offer Stellest spectacle lenses and atropine eye drops for myopia management. Atropine may be used alone or in combination with another treatment when appropriate. The best approach depends on your child’s prescription, age, eye health, lifestyle, and rate of myopia progression.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Child
There is no single myopia management treatment that is best for every child. We begin with a comprehensive eye exam and myopia evaluation to understand your child’s vision and determine which treatment may fit their needs. Regular follow-up visits allow us to monitor changes and adjust their plan as they grow.
If your child’s nearsightedness is progressing, schedule a myopia management evaluation with Chino Hills Eyecare Optometry to learn whether Ortho-K, MiSight, Stellest lenses, or atropine may be right for them. Contact our office in Chino Hills, CA, by calling (909) 591-2034 to book an appointment today.