Looking Into The Different Forms of Myopia Control: Exploring Options

If your child is struggling to see the whiteboard at school or constantly holding their tablet inches from their face, they may be dealing with myopia—also known as nearsightedness. As a parent, it can be concerning to watch your child’s vision worsen year after year. Fortunately, myopia control strategies can help slow its progression and protect your child’s long-term eye health. At Anderson Eyecare, we work closely with families in Hermitage, Tennessee, to find the best myopia management solutions tailored to each child’s needs.
 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
 

While myopia often develops in childhood and progresses through the teen years, early intervention can make a difference. Some common signs of myopia in children include:

• Squinting to see distant objects

• Sitting too close to the TV or holding screens very close

• Complaints of headaches or eye strain

• Difficulty seeing the board at school

• Frequent eye rubbing
   

If any of these sound familiar, it’s important to schedule an eye exam to assess your child’s vision and explore options for myopia control.
 

The Impact of Myopia on Learning & Academics

Vision plays a critical role in a child’s education. When a child can’t see clearly, it affects their ability to focus in class, follow along with lessons, and complete schoolwork efficiently. Myopia-related struggles can lead to frustration, lower confidence, and even a reluctance to participate in activities that require clear distance vision, like sports or reading from a classroom screen.
 

Beyond academics, progressive myopia can increase the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration. Myopia management is about more than just clear vision today—it’s about protecting your child’s eye health for the future.
 

Effective Myopia Control Strategies

Traditional eyeglasses can correct nearsightedness, but they don’t slow myopia progression. Myopia management, on the other hand, is designed to control how quickly the condition worsens over time. By addressing myopia early, we can reduce the risk of high myopia and the associated complications. We offer several effective myopia control options for children and teens.
 

Paragon CRT (Corneal Refractive Therapy)

Paragon CRT contact lenses are a type of orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lens worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. By morning, they wake up with clear vision—no daytime glasses or contacts needed. This is an excellent option for active kids who play sports or prefer a glasses-free lifestyle.
 

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are a simple but effective method of slowing myopia progression. These drops are typically applied before bed and work by relaxing the eye’s focusing mechanisms. Many parents appreciate this option because it’s easy to use and can be combined with other myopia control strategies.
 

Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses

Multifocal soft contact lenses are specially designed to correct vision while also managing myopia progression. These lenses provide different zones of focus, helping to slow down the eye’s elongation while allowing for clear vision throughout the day.
 

Finding the Right Solution at Anderson Eyecare

Every child’s eyes are unique, and the best myopia management approach depends on their prescription, lifestyle, and comfort level. At Anderson Eyecare, we believe in taking a proactive, personalized approach to help slow myopia progression and support lifelong eye health.
 

If your child’s nearsightedness is getting worse, schedule a consultation with Anderson Eyecare, and let’s work together to find the best myopia control treatment for your child’s vision. Visit our office in Hermitage, Tennessee, or call (615) 883-9595 to book an appointment today.