Is Your Child’s Nearsightedness Getting Worse? Myopia Management Can Help

If your child’s glasses prescription seems to change every year, you are not alone. Nearsightedness, also called myopia, often progresses during the school-age years as kids grow and spend more time on close-up tasks. Myopia management is a proactive approach that helps slow myopia progression, not just correct blurry distance vision. Myopia management can be an important step toward protecting long-term eye health.

Myopia is more than a number on a prescription. Higher levels of nearsightedness are associated with a greater lifetime risk of eye problems later on. That is why many parents are asking not only “Does my child need stronger glasses?” but also “Is there a way to slow this down?” A myopia management plan is designed to do exactly that, using evidence-based options tailored to your child’s age, prescription, and daily routine.

Signs Your Child’s Myopia May Be Progressing

Myopia progression can be easy to miss at first because children adapt quickly. Some common signs include squinting to see the board at school, moving closer to the TV, complaining of headaches after homework, or saying that distant signs look blurry. Another clue is frequent prescription changes at annual eye exams. If these patterns sound familiar, it may be time to discuss myopia control options with your optometrist in San Marino.

Why Early Myopia Management Matters

Myopia typically increases fastest in childhood and early adolescence. Starting myopia management earlier often provides more time to slow progression during the years when the eyes are changing most. Your child can still wear glasses when needed, but the goal is to reduce how quickly the prescription increases over time. A clear plan, consistent follow-up visits, and a treatment option your child can realistically stick with all make a difference.

Myopia Management Options Offered at San Marino Optometry

San Marino Optometry offers multiple myopia management treatments, allowing care to be personalized based on your child’s needs and comfort.

• Ortho-k (overnight custom contact lenses that reshape the cornea while your child sleeps)
• Atropine eye drops (low-dose drops used at night to help slow progression)
• Soft multifocal contact lenses (daily-wear lenses designed to support myopia control)

Each option has unique benefits. Some families prefer an overnight approach like Ortho-k, while others like the simplicity of nightly atropine drops or daytime soft multifocal contact lenses. Your optometrist will consider factors like prescription level, eye health, sports participation, maturity, and hygiene habits before recommending a plan.

What to Expect at a Myopia Management Consultation

A myopia management visit typically starts with a comprehensive eye exam and detailed measurements of your child’s vision and eye development. You will review lifestyle factors such as screen time, outdoor time, and school demands, since these can influence how myopia changes. From there, your optometrist will outline treatment choices, expected outcomes, and follow-up intervals to track progress.

If your child’s nearsightedness is increasing, schedule a myopia management evaluation with San Marino Optometry.  We proudly serve the San Marino, San Gabriel, and Arcadia communities. Please call (626) 415-3600 to book an appointment today.