Myopia Control

Many people live with myopia, or nearsightedness. People who have myopia can clearly see objects that are close to them, while struggling to see objects that are far away. Childhood myopia often progresses more quickly than myopia that's diagnosed in adults. Myopia can't be reversed without surgery, and most children are not good candidates for myopia surgery, as their eyes are still changing. The good news is childhood myopia can be slowed down—and even stopped—using myopia control treatment. At VistaSite Eye Care, serving Bronx, NY, Yonkers, NY, and White Plains, NY, our team is here to work with you and your child to help you two get the vision care you need. 

Here, we'll take a look at the two most common approaches to myopia control: medicated eye drops and ortho-k contact lenses.

Medicated Eye Drops

Medicated eye drops contain an ingredient called atropine that can help slow down myopia by dilating the eyes. These drops are applied to the child's eyes every night at bedtime and regular nightly use can help control the progression of myopia. This approach may reduce the degree of nearsightedness the child will have as an adult.

Ortho-K Contact Lenses

Your optometrist may consider ortho-k contact lenses to slow the progression of myopia in your child. These specialized lenses are designed to correct vision and achieve better control of myopia by reshaping the surface of the eye while your child sleeps. They are worn only during sleep and removed upon waking. During the eye exam, an optometrist on our team can assist you in learning how to properly insert them into your child's eyes.

These contact lenses can gently reshape the eyes temporarily, potentially making them more rounded. This helps slow down or halt the progression of myopia. Additionally, ortho-k contact lenses can help provide sufficient vision correction, eliminating the need for glasses the following day. This effect only lasts for the day after your child wears his lenses to bed. If your child discontinues wearing their ortho-k contact lenses at night, he’ll need vision correction again for that day.

Get an Eye Exam, Eye Care, and Eye Doctor Services from an Optometrist Near You

Myopia control can help protect your child's vision development. Schedule an appointment with us at VistaSite Eye Care. We proudly serve the Bronx, NY, Yonkers, NY, and White Plains, NY, areas. Call us at (718) 324-2020 or at (718) 320-2222 for an eye exam, eye care, and eye doctor services from an optometrist near you.