The Top Myopia Management Options for Kids and Teens

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are seen clearly. With an increasing prevalence among children and teens due to lifestyle factors like prolonged screen time and limited outdoor activities, managing myopia has become more crucial than ever. At Long Beach Family Optometry, we’re committed to helping young patients maintain healthy vision with effective myopia management options.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often develops in childhood and tends to progress during the growing years.

Beyond the physical effects, myopia can impact a child's daily life, from academic performance to participation in sports and other activities, highlighting the importance of early detection and effective management.

What Is Myopia Management?

Myopia management refers to a range of treatments designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and teens. While traditional eyeglasses or contact lenses can correct myopia for better vision, they don’t address the progression of the condition. Left unmanaged, worsening myopia can increase the risk of serious eye health issues later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

At Long Beach Family Optometry, we offer advanced myopia management solutions tailored to the unique needs of kids and teens. Here are the top options we recommend.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, uses specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. When the lenses are removed in the morning, patients experience clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. This non-invasive treatment not only corrects myopia but also helps slow its progression, making it an excellent option for active kids and teens.

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are a scientifically proven treatment to slow the progression of myopia. Applied once daily, these drops work by relaxing the eye's focusing muscles and reducing the eye's elongation—a key factor in myopia progression. Atropine is especially beneficial for children with rapidly advancing myopia and is safe and effective when used under professional supervision.

Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses

Multifocal soft contact lenses are specially designed to provide clear vision while slowing myopia progression. These lenses have different zones for focusing light, which helps reduce the strain on the eye and control its growth. They are comfortable, easy to use, and an ideal choice for older children and teens who are ready for contact lenses.

ACUVUE® Abiliti™ Overnight Lenses

A cutting-edge option in myopia management, ACUVUE® Abiliti™ Overnight Lenses are designed to reshape the cornea while the patient sleeps. Similar to Ortho-K lenses, they provide clear vision during the day and have been shown to effectively slow myopia progression. These lenses are a great choice for kids and teens who prefer a glasses-free lifestyle.

Schedule a Myopia Management Consultation Today

At Long Beach Family Optometry, we understand that every child’s eyes are unique. We use the latest technology to assess myopia progression and recommend personalized treatment plans. Whether it’s Ortho-K, atropine drops, multifocal lenses, or ACUVUE® Abiliti™ Overnight Lenses, we’ll guide you and your child through every step of the process.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Long Beach Family Optometry to learn more about our myopia management options. Visit our office in Long Beach, California, or call (562) 553-6600 to book an appointment today.