What Are the Treatment Options for Myopia?

Children and adults are typically prescribed eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct their vision upon diagnosis of myopia. 

When diagnosed in children, sometimes the condition will stabilize by the time the child becomes an adult, but in nearly all cases it will progressively worsen as the child ages because the eyeball shape continues to grow over time. 

The most common symptoms of progressive myopia include

• Eye strain
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Fatigue, particularly after looking at objects in the distance for extended periods

If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, see the world through their eyes with this myopia simulator  

Children who have progressive myopia are at a higher risk of developing eye health problems later in life. These problems can include retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. 

Because progressive myopia has a negative impact on eye health and quality of life, it is important to get pediatric eye exams regularly to screen for this condition. The earlier myopia is diagnosed, the sooner the doctor will can create a myopia management plan that can help your child avoid significant eye health issues later in life.

Atropine Eye Drops 

The doctors at Family Eye Care may recommend the use of low-dose atropine eye drops to slow down the progression of myopia. 

Ophthalmic atropine eye drops are used to dilate the eyes during a comprehensive eye exam. Our doctors prescribe a lower dose of atropine to help slow the progression of myopia. 

Children being treated for progressive myopia with atropine eye drops may still need to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses during the day to see; however, atropine eye drops are often successful at slowing down the progression of myopia. The key is early diagnosis of myopia and consistent atropine treatment. 

MiSight® 1-Day Soft Contact Lenses 

Another form of treatment designed to slow the progression of myopia is the use of special contact lenses called MiSight® 1-day soft contact lenses.

The doctors at Family Eye Care are certified providers of MiSight® 1-day soft contact lenses, the first and only soft contact lenses that are FDA-approved to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8-12 at the start of treatment. Approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) means that the lenses have been tested over a long period and have met all the safety requirements established.

This form of myopia management is safe and proven to be effective. Kids ages 8-12 wearing MiSight® 1-day contact lenses experienced an average of 59 percent reduction of myopia progression when used over three years.

Managing Myopia

The first step to managing myopia is by scheduling an appointment for a pediatric eye exam. Our optometrists will perform various tests to check your child’s eyes, determine your overall eye health, and screen for myopia. If myopia is discovered, your doctor will guide you through the proper treatment plan for correcting the issue and preventing further progression.

Interested in learning more about myopia management for your child? Schedule a pediatric eye exam at Family Eye Care and let us know you want to learn more about myopia management.