What Are the Most Effective Myopia Control Options Today?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing concern around the world - especially among children. With more time spent indoors and on digital screens, more young people are developing myopia earlier in life, and their prescriptions are progressing more quickly. Fortunately, advancements in eye care have introduced a variety of myopia control options to help slow its progression and preserve long-term eye health. At Lauren Alexander Vision Source, we specialize in early detection and personalized treatment plans to help manage myopia and reduce future risks.
 

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a common refractive error that makes distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or when the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. While glasses or contact lenses can correct vision, they do not stop myopia from worsening over time.
 

Why Is Myopia Management Important?

Untreated or rapidly progressing myopia isn't just about needing stronger glasses; it can lead to serious eye health risks later in life, including:
 

•          Retinal detachment

•          Glaucoma

•          Myopic macular degeneration

•          Cataracts

The higher the level of myopia, the greater the risk. Early intervention can help slow the progression and lower the risk of long-term complications.
 

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K involves specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, providing clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts. Ortho-K has been shown to significantly slow myopia progression and is a great option for active kids who may prefer lens-free days.
 

MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses

MiSight® 1 day lenses are soft, single-use daily disposable contacts FDA-approved to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8-12 at the start of treatment. These lenses use a special optical design that helps redirect how light focuses on the retina, reducing the stimulus for the eye to elongate. They're easy to use and safe for children new to contact lenses.
 

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops (usually 0.01%) are used at bedtime to slow the progression of myopia. Studies show that atropine can reduce eye growth effectively, especially when combined with other treatments. This non-invasive option is ideal for younger children who may not yet be ready for contact lenses.
 

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal soft contact lenses, typically used for adults with presbyopia, can also help slow myopia progression in children. These lenses provide different powers in different zones of the lens, which can help manage how light is focused on the retina. They are often used as an alternative to MiSight® or in combination with other treatments.
 

The Best Treatment Is Personalized

Each child’s eyes and lifestyle are different, so myopia control should never be one-size-fits-all. During a comprehensive eye exam, we evaluate your child’s vision, prescription history, and eye health to recommend the most effective myopia management strategy.
 

Protect Your Child’s Vision for the Future

Myopia isn’t just a vision problem - it’s a lifelong eye health concern. Early diagnosis and proactive treatment can make a significant difference in your child’s quality of life and reduce their risk of serious complications in the future.
 

Schedule a pediatric eye exam at Lauren Alexander Vision Source to learn more about personalized myopia management options for your child. Contact our office in Shaven Park or Potranco, located in San Antonio, Texas. Please call (210) 239-2020 or (210) 317-2020 book an appointment today.