Myopia control focuses on slowing the progression of nearsightedness, primarily in children and teens, to help protect long-term eye health and day-to-day vision. Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea curves too steeply, which causes distant objects to appear blurry. As the prescription increases, the risk of future eye disease also increases. Understanding what myopia control is and when to consider it helps families make informed decisions with an optometrist.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, means that close objects remain clear, while distant objects look blurry. Genetics influence risk, especially when one or both parents are nearsighted. However, in many children, myopia develops during school years and progresses as the eyes continue to grow. Further, extensive near work and limited time outdoors contribute to faster myopia progression in many children. Once myopia reaches moderate or high levels, the risk of conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy increases. Myopia control aims to slow the rate of progression, keeping the final prescription lower and reducing eye health risks.
Myopia control refers to a group of treatments designed specifically to slow the worsening of nearsightedness, rather than simply correcting vision. Standard glasses and regular contact lenses help patients see clearly, but they do not significantly influence eye growth. Myopia control methods work by altering how light focuses on the retina or by affecting the eye's growth signals.
An optometrist evaluates a child's prescription, eye health, age, and family history to determine which approach offers the most benefit. Some children receive a single myopia control strategy, while others benefit from a combination approach. The goal focuses on slowing progression over time rather than reversing myopia that already exists.
One common myopia control method uses specially designed soft contact lenses that create clear central vision while gently altering focus in the peripheral retina. This optical design sends different signals to the eye, helping to reduce the stimulus for further elongation. Children typically wear these lenses during the day and enjoy clear distance and near vision without glasses.
Another approach uses orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses worn overnight. These rigid lenses reshape the front surface of the eye while the child sleeps. In the morning, the lenses are removed, and the cornea maintains a new shape that provides clear vision throughout the day. The reshaping pattern also supports myopia control by changing how light focuses across the retina.
Newer eyeglass lens technologies also support myopia control. These lenses include zones or patterns that provide clear central vision with controlled blur or altered focus in the periphery. Similar to specialized contacts, this design influences growth signals to the eye and helps slow progression.
For children who prefer glasses or are not yet ready for contact lenses, myopia-control eyeglass lenses offer a non-invasive option. They look similar to regular lenses, so other people rarely notice a difference. Regular follow-ups remain important to ensure the lenses continue to fit comfortably and deliver the expected myopia-control benefit.
Low-dose atropine eye drops represent another widely used myopia control tool. These prescription drops are typically used once daily, usually in the evening. Research — such as that from the University of Alabama's School of Optometry — suggests that low concentrations help slow eye growth with minimal effect on focusing ability or pupil size in most children.
An optometrist may use atropine therapy alone or combine it with specialized lenses for a stronger effect. They monitor for side effects such as light sensitivity or difficulty with close work and adjust the dose when necessary. Further, regular exams track prescription changes and eye health to determine how well the myopia control plan works over time.
Myopia control most often begins when a child shows evidence of progressive nearsightedness. Signs include frequent prescription changes, squinting at distances, or difficulty seeing the board at school. A strong family history of myopia or early onset at a young age may also increase the urgency for intervention.
Routine eye exams allow an optometrist to watch how quickly the prescription changes from year to year. When the rate of progression increases or when the prescription already reaches a moderate level, myopia control becomes an important discussion. Early action usually provides better results than waiting until myopia becomes severe.
Myopia control focuses on slowing the progression of nearsightedness so that individuals maintain healthier eyes and reduce their lifetime risk of myopia-related complications. Are you or a loved one experiencing myopia-related symptoms? Contact Texas Optical to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.texasoptical.net or call Texas Optical at (214) 771-7333 for an appointment in our Dallas office.
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