Myopia control
Myopia control for children
Myopia that starts in childhood usually increases every year while the eye grows. With a timely plan we can slow its progression and protect your child’s long-term eye health.
Book an assessmentSigns your child may be nearsighted
- Holds screens or books very close
- Squints to see far away
- Has trouble seeing the board at school
- Complains of headaches or eye strain
- Mom or dad is nearsighted
- Their prescription goes up at every check-up
Myopia
What is myopia and why does it progress?
In a nearsighted eye, images focus in front of the retina instead of on it. Distant objects look blurry while near ones look clear.
In most children this happens because the eye grows too long. As long as that growth continues, the prescription keeps going up, which is why myopia detected in childhood tends to increase with age.
It is becoming more common worldwide. Family history, many hours of close-up work and little time outdoors all play a role.
Why treat it
It is more than a stronger prescription
Regular glasses and contact lenses correct vision, but they do not slow the growth of the eye.
High myopia raises the lifetime risk of problems such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, early cataract and myopic maculopathy. Every diopter we prevent in childhood counts.
That is why the earlier we start, the more room we have to keep your child’s myopia as low as possible.
Treatment options
A plan tailored to each child
After the assessment we recommend the option that best fits your child’s age, prescription, habits and your family’s preferences. Sometimes options are combined.
Orthokeratology (overnight lenses)
Rigid lenses worn while your child sleeps that gently reshape the cornea. During the day they see clearly without glasses or contacts, and the treatment helps slow myopia progression.
Orthokeratology →Myopia control contact lenses (daytime)
Daily disposable soft lenses designed for children: they correct vision and, at the same time, help slow the growth of the eye.
Low-dose atropine drops
One drop in each eye at bedtime. Prescribed and monitored in clinic, used alone or together with control lenses.
Myopia control glasses
Lenses with a special optical design for children who prefer or need glasses. They correct vision and help reduce progression.
How it works
The program
- 01
Initial assessment
We confirm the baseline prescription, check eye health and talk about your child’s habits and your family’s goals.
- 02
Choosing a treatment
We explain the right options for your child, with their benefits, the commitment each one needs and the cost.
- 03
Fitting
It depends on the treatment: orthokeratology needs several visits over the first weeks; control lenses one or two; and with atropine we check in one week after starting.
- 04
Follow-up
We see your child every six months to confirm myopia stays under control and adjust the plan if needed.
At home
Habits that help
Treatment works best alongside good visual habits.
- More time outdoorsNatural light and looking into the distance protect against myopia. Aim for a couple of hours of outdoor play a day.
- Frequent breaks20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screens or reading, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Good distanceBooks and tablets at elbow-to-knuckle distance, and no reading lying down.
- Good lightingRead and do homework with enough light and no harsh contrast.
- Screens in moderationLimit recreational screen time, especially for younger children.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can treatment start?
As soon as myopia is detected or we see the prescription increasing. Many treatments can start in young children; at the assessment we tell you which one suits their age.
Do regular glasses slow myopia?
No. Regular glasses and contact lenses correct vision but do not act on the growth of the eye.
Is it safe for a child to wear contact lenses?
Yes, with a proper fit, good hygiene and parental supervision. Children usually adapt very well, and we teach them step by step how to insert, remove and care for them.
How long does treatment last?
While the eye is still growing, usually into the teenage years. With regular check-ups we decide when to adjust or stop it.
Does treatment cure myopia?
It does not eliminate it. The goal is to slow its progression so your child reaches adulthood with the lowest prescription possible.
Is your child nearsighted?
Book a myopia control assessment with Opt. Arnold Brito Crisóstomo and let’s build a plan for your child together.
Book appointment