Myopia Control: How It Works and Why It Matters for Long-Term Eye Health

Introduction

Every parent wants to protect their child’s future, and when it comes to vision, early action can make all the difference. At Frame & Focus Eye Care in Richmond, Texas, Dr. Sarah Zaver understands that myopia isn’t just about needing stronger glasses—it’s about safeguarding your child’s long-term eye health and quality of life.

With myopia rates climbing dramatically among children, particularly in our increasingly digital world, parents throughout Richmond, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, and surrounding communities are seeking proactive solutions. The good news is that we’re living in an exciting time for myopia management, with proven treatments that can significantly slow progression when started early.

Dr. Zaver brings over a decade of experience in comprehensive eye care, combined with state-of-the-art technology and a patient-centered approach that makes even the youngest patients feel comfortable and confident. Our thorough examinations go beyond a simple vision check—we use advanced diagnostic tools, including retinal photography, to create a complete picture of your child’s eye health and develop a personalized myopia management plan.

What sets Frame & Focus Eye Care apart is our commitment to clear communication. We explain your child’s condition in words you’ll understand, not medical jargon, so you can make informed decisions about their care. Whether your child is experiencing their first signs of nearsightedness or their prescription is progressing rapidly, we’re here to provide evidence-based treatments that work.

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is more than just a need for glasses. It is a progressive condition that can have lasting effects on eye health. As the number of children diagnosed with myopia continues to rise, early intervention has never been more important. At Frame & Focus Eye Care, we offer proven myopia control treatments designed to slow its progression and help protect your child’s vision for the future.

Why Myopia Control Is Important

As myopia worsens, the eye continues to elongate. This elongation can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy. Controlling myopia progression during childhood can reduce these risks and support better long-term eye health.

Myopia control aims to slow the growth of the eye and prevent myopia from advancing. Several treatment options are available, and the right approach depends on the individual needs of each child.

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are used nightly and have been shown in studies to significantly slow the progression of myopia in children. These drops work by reducing the eye’s growth rate, and they are typically well-tolerated with minimal side effects.

MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses

MiSight 1-day lenses are FDA-approved soft contact lenses specifically designed for myopia control. These lenses provide clear vision while simultaneously using special optics to slow the elongation of the eye, making them an excellent option for children who are comfortable wearing contacts.

Multifocal Contact Lenses and Glasses

Multifocal lenses are traditionally used for adults with presbyopia, but they can also help manage myopia in children. These lenses create different focal points that help reduce the stimulus that causes the eye to elongate. Multifocal glasses may also be recommended in certain cases, especially for children not ready for contact lenses.

Long-Term Benefits of Myopia Control

By slowing myopia progression during the critical childhood years, we can help reduce the need for stronger prescriptions over time and lower the lifetime risk of serious eye diseases. Early intervention is key, which is why regular pediatric eye exams are essential to monitor changes and adjust treatment as needed.

Learn More About Myopia Control

Understanding the Science Behind Myopia Control

Cochrane Review: Interventions to Slow Myopia Progression in Children

This comprehensive review from the Cochrane Library provides an evidence-based overview of myopia control treatments. As one of the world’s most trusted sources for medical evidence, this systematic review analyzes over 100 studies involving more than 17,000 children. It offers parents and healthcare providers a balanced perspective on the effectiveness of various myopia control interventions, including atropine eye drops, specialty contact lenses, and optical treatments. This resource is particularly valuable for understanding the quality of evidence behind different treatment approaches and helps families make informed decisions about their child’s care.

FDA-Approved Treatment Options

MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses: First FDA-Approved Myopia Control

MiSight® 1 day contact lenses represent a groundbreaking advancement in pediatric eye care as the first and only FDA-approved soft contact lens specifically designed to slow myopia progression in children aged 8-12. Backed by extensive clinical trials spanning over seven years, these innovative daily disposable lenses have been proven to reduce myopia progression by an average of 59% compared to traditional single-vision lenses. The official MiSight website provides comprehensive information about how these specialized lenses work, their safety profile, and real-world experiences from children and families who have benefited from this technology. This resource is essential for parents considering contact lens-based myopia control options for their children.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Myopia control is a proactive approach to protecting your child’s vision and long-term eye health. We are committed to offering personalized solutions using the latest in evidence-based treatments.

If your child is nearsighted or you’ve noticed changes in their vision, schedule a pediatric eye exam at Frame & Focus Eye Care at our office in Richmond, Texas, to learn more about myopia control options. We are also happy to serve the surrounding areas, Greatwood, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Pecan Grove, Four Corners, Mission Bend, New Territory, and Sugar Land. Please call (832) 664-7900 to book an appointment today.