Managing Myopia
Several types of myopia control can effectively slow its progression in children. Although there’s no cure for myopia, there are different ways to stop the eye from growing abnormally and keep your child’s vision stable.
The type of myopia control best for your child depends on their current health, lifestyle, and goals. During your appointment, we’ll discuss all options with you so you can make an informed decision for your child.
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical method to correct vision problems caused by myopia. They involve specialty contact lenses that are worn at night while you sleep to temporarily flatten the cornea. They’re removed during the day, and wearers experience the effects until they put them back in before bed.
Orthokeratology has many peer-reviewed studies that have shown it to be an effective method to reduce myopia’s progression and, in some cases, halt it altogether.
Multifocal Lenses
Distance center multifocal soft contact lenses act similarly to how regular contact lenses are worn. They’re worn full time to correct vision, but the concentric rings varying in lens power have been shown to reduce myopia’s progression effectively.
Low-Dose Atropine
Low-dose atropine is a specialized medication available in eye drop or ointment form to help reduce myopia progression. It works by paralyzing the eye’s focusing mechanisms to lessen accommodation often associated with frequent near work. Several studies have been performed to assess the effectiveness of atropine as a medication for myopia, which has shown it to be effective.
Progressive Lenses and Bifocal Lenses
Specialty eyeglass lenses, like progressive lenses and bifocal lenses, have been shown the slow the progression of myopia in children.
Essilor Stellest Lenses
Essilor Stellest lenses are FDA-authorized prescription eyeglass lenses that are specifically designed to correct nearsightedness while helping slow the progression of myopia in children. They provide clear vision while using an innovative optical design that supports long-term myopia management.
Clinical studies have shown these lenses can help reduce the rate of myopia progression, making them an effective, noninvasive option for many children. Our team will determine whether Essilor Stellest lenses are the right choice based on your child’s age, prescription, and visual needs.
