Myopia is a very common issue throughout the world. Approximately 1/3 of the population in the United States have the condition and over 90% of several East Asian countries suffer from myopia. While myopia may seem like such a common condition that it shouldn’t be cause for concern, it is actually associated with several very serious conditions that can threaten one’s ability to see.
 

What is Myopia

 

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a condition where individuals are able to see objects that are close to them but may have difficulty distinguishing things at a distance, such as road signs or leaves on a tree. These individuals often squint at objects that are further away to try and help bring them into focus.

Currently, there is no known cure for myopia and recent studies suggest that the more advanced your myopia gets, the more serious the effects can be on your vision. This has led eye professionals to look for ways to slow the progression of myopia in children and young adults as the eyes typically change more rapidly during this time and slowing down myopia progression during these years has a huge payoff. 
 

Types of Myopia Control

 

There are a few different treatments for myopia that have been shown to slow progression in children. To make sure you choose the option that fits your child best, it’s important to visit your eye doctor so we can evaluate their vision, eye health, and rate of change, then recommend the right plan.

Stellest Lenses | Stellest lenses are specialty prescription eyeglass lenses designed for myopia control. They look like regular glasses, but the lens design is different. The center of the lens provides clear vision, while the surrounding lenslets are designed to help slow the eye’s growth that contributes to worsening myopia. This option is popular for families who want a non-invasive treatment that’s simple for kids to wear every day.

MiSight Contact Lenses | MiSight lenses are soft, daily disposable contact lenses specifically designed for myopia control. They correct distance vision and also use a special optical design intended to slow myopia progression over time. Because they’re daily disposables, there’s no cleaning or storage, which can make them a convenient option for many families. This approach is often preferred for active kids who would rather wear contacts than glasses.

Atropine Eye Drops | Low-dose atropine eye drops are another evidence-based option to help slow myopia progression. They are typically used once daily, most often at bedtime. Atropine is related to the drops used for dilation, but in much lower concentrations for myopia control and intended for long-term use. Some children may notice mild side effects like light sensitivity or blur at near, and we can usually manage this with dosing and guidance. Atropine can be used on its own or, in some cases, alongside other myopia control strategies.