Understanding Myopia
What is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where close-up objects appear clear, but things far away look blurry.
It happens when the eye grows slightly longer than normal, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This makes distance vision less sharp.
- Myopia often begins in childhood and can continue to progress as kids grow. That’s why early detection and management are important—not just to improve vision, but to help protect long-term eye health.
What are the causes of Myopia?
Myopia (nearsightedness) is often hereditary, meaning children with one or both parents who are myopic have a higher risk of developing it. It can also be influenced by environmental factors, such as prolonged near work (like reading or screen use) and limited time spent outdoors in natural sunlight.
What is axial length?
Axial length is the measurement of the eye from the front surface (cornea) to the back of the eye (retina). It represents the overall length of the eyeball. A typical adult eye measures about 23–24 mm, while eyes with myopia are often longer, especially as it progresses during childhood.
This measurement is an important tool for diagnosing and monitoring myopia progression. It is also used when calculating intraocular lens (IOL) power for surgery and helps assess the risk of certain eye conditions associated with longer eye length.
What is the relationship between Myopia and axial length?
Myopia is closely linked to an increase in axial length. As the eye grows too long, light focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurred distance vision.
An increase in axial length is the primary driver of myopia progression and an important indicator of long-term risk for eye conditions such as retinal detachment.
What is Myopia Management?
Myopia management is a personalized treatment approach designed to slow the growth of the eye. By managing this growth early, we can help reduce the risk of serious eye conditions later in life and support long-term eye health.
Why act now?
Higher levels of myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions in adulthood. By managing myopia early, our goal is to help keep your child’s prescription lower and protect their long-term vision.
THE RISKS OF HIGH MYOPIA:
CONDITION | Increased Risk (at -6.00D or higher) |
Retinal Detachment | 10x More Likely |
Glaucoma | 3x More Likely |
Myopic Macular Degeneration | 40x More Likely |
Cataracts | 3x More Likely |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
“Can my child really handle contact lenses?”
Yes! Research shows that children as young as eight can be very responsible with proper lens care. We provide a thorough insertion and removal training session to ensure your child feels confident, comfortable, and safe.
“Is this covered by my vision insurance?”
Most vision plans cover a standard eye exam and may include a portion of glasses or basic contact lenses. However, myopia management is considered a specialized service and is typically not fully covered by vision insurance.
Because of this, an annual global fee applies for each myopia management treatment plan prescribed by Dr. Mallavia.
“How long does treatment last?”
Myopia management typically continues until the eyes finish growing, which is usually in the late teens or early twenties. Throughout treatment, we closely monitor your child’s axial length (the physical length of the eye) using advanced technology to track progress and ensure the best possible results.
Myopia can impact more than just how clearly your child sees—it can affect their everyday activities, learning, and confidence.
You might notice your child:
Squinting to see the board at school
Sitting very close to the TV or holding devices close to their face
Complaining of headaches or tired eyes
Struggling to see distant objects clearly (like signs or the board)
Losing interest in activities that require distance vision, like sports
Because children often don’t realize their vision isn’t normal, these signs can be easy to miss. Regular eye exams are key to catching myopia early and keeping your child seeing their best.
Don’t wait for your child’s prescription to get stronger. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in protecting their long-term vision! Call us to set up an appointment today!
Ways we manage Myopia
STELLEST LENSES
Stellest lenses are specially designed eyeglass lenses that not only correct your child’s vision, but also help slow the progression of myopia over time.
Unlike standard lenses, Stellest technology works by creating a unique focus pattern that helps guide how the eye grows — which can reduce how quickly your child’s prescription changes.
These lenses are comfortable, easy to wear, and a great option for children who prefer glasses over contact lenses.
Low-dose atropine eye drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops are a safe and effective treatment used to help slow the progression of myopia in children.
These drops are typically used once nightly and work by helping to control how quickly the eye grows, which can reduce how fast your child’s prescription changes over time.
Atropine is a great option for younger children or those who are not yet comfortable wearing contact lenses.
Ortho-K (Overnight Lenses)
Ortho-K lenses are custom-designed contact lenses worn overnight while your child sleeps. These lenses gently reshape the surface of the eye, allowing for clear vision throughout the day — without the need for glasses or daytime contacts.
In addition to providing daytime freedom from corrective lenses, Ortho-K has been shown to help slow the progression of myopia in children.
This option is especially popular for active kids who play sports or prefer not to wear glasses during the day.
MiSight® 1 day Contact Lenses
MiSight 1 day contact lenses are specially designed for children with myopia. These daily disposable lenses not only provide clear vision, but also help slow the progression of nearsightedness over time.
Because they are worn during the day and replaced with a fresh pair each morning, MiSight lenses are a convenient and hygienic option for many families.
They’re a great choice for children who are ready for contact lenses and want clear, comfortable vision throughout the day.
