Newsletter: Myopia Control — Protecting Vision for the Future

Myopia (nearsightedness) is rapidly increasing worldwide and those greatest at risk are younger children. With more screen time and less outdoor activity, managing myopia early has never been more important. Myopia control isn’t just about seeing clearly today—it’s about safeguarding long-term eye health.

Why Myopia Control Matters

Progressive myopia, due to continued elongation of the eye, increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Slowing progression during childhood can significantly reduce these risks and improve lifelong visual outcomes.

Who Should Consider Myopia Control?

• Children in elementary school or younger who are borderline or already myopic.

• Children whose myopia progresses more than average in one year. 

• Children with one or both parents who are myopic.

Key Strategies for Myopia Control

1. Advanced Myopia Control Glasses

New-generation spectacle lenses, such as Stellest lenses, are transforming myopia management. These lenses use highly aspherical lenslet technology to create a “volume of signal” that helps slow eye elongation while maintaining clear vision.

They are an excellent option for children who prefer glasses over contact lenses and offer a non-invasive, easy-to-use solution for daily wear.

2. Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses

These daytime contact lenses are specially designed with multiple zones of focus. They correct distance vision while simultaneously providing peripheral defocus, which helps slow eye growth. They are a popular option for children and teens who are comfortable wearing contact lenses during the day.

3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while sleeping, allowing for clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts. In addition to providing daytime freedom from lenses, Ortho-K has been shown to slow myopia progression.

4. Low-Dose Eye Drops

These prescription drops are used nightly in conjunction with multifocal eyeglasses to effectively slow myopia progression with minimal side effects.

Studies on children up to the age of 15 years old have shown that these treatments, along with lifestyle changes, can slow the progression of myopia in these critical  years. Early detection is key for timely intervention and the best long-term outcomes since progression that has already occurred cannot be reversed.

Looking Ahead

Myopia control is an investment in lifelong eye health. It provides clear vision today and healthier eyes for tomorrow. Schedule a consultation at Futura Eye Doctors to explore personalized treatment options tailored to your child’s needs!