How Parents Can Help Slow Their Child’s Myopia Progression

Myopia is becoming increasingly common in children, especially with more time spent indoors and on digital devices. At Burbank Family Optometry, we understand how concerning it can be for parents to see their child's vision worsen year after year. The good news is that there are proactive steps you can take to help slow the progression of myopia and support your child’s long-term eye health.

What Is Myopia Control and Why Is It Important?

Myopia control refers to a range of treatments designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. Rather than just correcting blurry distance vision with glasses, myopia control aims to reduce the rate at which a child’s vision worsens over time. This is important because high levels of myopia are associated with a greater risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. By slowing the progression early, we can help preserve better vision for your child and reduce the need for stronger prescriptions in the future.

The Role of Pediatric Eye Exams

Early detection is one of the most powerful tools in managing myopia. Routine pediatric eye exams allow us to monitor your child’s eye development and detect myopia in its earliest stages. Even if your child is not complaining of vision issues, they may still be developing myopia. 

We recommend scheduling comprehensive eye exams starting at age five or earlier if you notice signs of vision difficulty. Catching myopia early gives us the opportunity to introduce myopia control strategies that are most effective when started young.

Effective Treatment Options

We offer advanced treatment options to help slow your child’s myopia progression. MiSight 1 day contact lenses are soft, single-use lenses approved by the FDA specifically for myopia control in children. These lenses not only correct your child’s vision but also have a special optical design that helps slow down the lengthening of the eye, which is the root cause of myopia progression. MiSight lenses are safe, comfortable, and easy to manage, making them a great choice for many children.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves custom-fitted lenses that are worn overnight to gently reshape the front surface of the eye. This provides clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses and has been shown to significantly reduce myopia progression. Ortho-K is especially beneficial for active children or those involved in sports.

Supporting Families in Burbank, California

At Burbank Family Optometry, we are committed to partnering with local families to protect and preserve their children’s vision. We take the time to educate parents on the best treatment options, provide regular monitoring, and offer continued support throughout your child’s vision journey.

If you are concerned about your child’s nearsightedness, schedule an eye exam with Burbank Family Optometry to explore myopia control treatments. Visit our office in Burbank, California, or call (747) 323-4500 to book an appointment today.