What Is Myopia Control and Why Is It Important?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a growing concern among children and teenagers. If your child can see up close clearly but struggles to see distant objects - like the whiteboard at school or road signs while riding in the car - they may have myopia. Over the past few decades, myopia has become increasingly common, and it often progresses quickly during childhood.

At Clear View Vision Center, we believe early intervention is key. That’s where myopia control comes in.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or when the cornea is too curved. This causes light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry distance vision.

For many years, standard glasses or contact lenses were prescribed simply to correct blurry vision. However, traditional prescriptions do not slow down the progression of myopia. As a child grows, their prescription may continue to worsen year after year.

What Is Myopia Control?

Myopia control refers to specialized treatments designed not only to correct vision but also to slow the progression of myopia in children. The goal is to reduce how quickly the eye continues to elongate.

Why is slowing progression so important? Because higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased risk of serious eye health issues later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Managing myopia early can significantly reduce these long-term risks.

Why Myopia Control Is So Important

Protecting Long-Term Eye Health

The higher a child’s prescription becomes, the greater their risk of developing sight-threatening conditions as an adult. Myopia control helps lower that risk by slowing eye growth during the critical developmental years.

Reducing Prescription Changes

Frequent prescription changes can be frustrating for both children and parents. Slowing progression means fewer dramatic increases in prescription strength over time.

Supporting Academic and Athletic Performance

Clear, stable vision supports success in school, sports, and everyday activities. Children who see well tend to feel more confident and engaged.

Myopia Control Options at Clear View Vision Center

Every child’s eyes are unique. That’s why Clear View Vision Center offers multiple evidence-based treatment options to meet individual needs and lifestyles.

MiSight Daily Contact Lenses

MiSight daily disposable contact lenses are specifically FDA-approved for myopia control in children. These soft contact lenses are worn during the day and discarded nightly. They not only correct vision but also use specialized optical design to slow eye growth.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Contact Lenses

Ortho-K lenses are custom-designed rigid lenses worn overnight. While your child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the cornea. In the morning, the lenses are removed, allowing clear vision throughout the day without glasses or contacts. Ortho-K has also been shown to significantly slow myopia progression.

Atropine Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are applied nightly before bedtime. These medicated drops have been proven to slow the progression of myopia with minimal side effects. Atropine therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments depending on your child’s needs.

Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal soft contact lenses provide clear vision while incorporating specialized focusing zones that help reduce the stimulus for eye elongation. They are a comfortable and effective daytime option for many children.

Stellest™ Glasses

Stellest™ glasses are specially designed spectacle lenses that correct vision while incorporating advanced lens technology to slow myopia progression. They are an excellent option for children who are not ready for contact lenses.

When Should Myopia Control Begin?

The earlier myopia is detected, the more effective treatment can be. Children should have comprehensive eye exams annually, especially if there is a family history of nearsightedness. If your child’s prescription is increasing each year, it may be time to consider a myopia management program.

Myopia Control Starts Here

Myopia is more than just needing stronger glasses each year - it is a progressive condition that can impact long-term eye health. Myopia control focuses on protecting your child’s vision not just today, but for decades to come. With advanced treatment options like MiSight daily contact lenses, Orthokeratology, atropine drops, multifocal contact lenses, and Stellest™ glasses, there are safe and effective ways to manage myopia progression.

If your child has been diagnosed with myopia or you’ve noticed their prescription increasing, contact Clear View Vision Center to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.  Contact our office in American Fork or Lehi, Utah, by calling (801) 756-4731 to book an appointment today.