Watching your child struggle with declining vision can be concerning for any parent. If you’ve noticed your child squinting to see distant objects, sitting too close to screens, or requiring stronger glasses prescriptions year after year, they may be experiencing progressive myopia – commonly known as nearsightedness.
At Atlantic Eye Institute, our team offers a variety of innovative, evidence-based solutions to slow or potentially halt myopia progression in children and adolescents. Our comprehensive approach goes beyond traditional corrective lenses to address the underlying causes of worsening nearsightedness.
Myopia is a common vision condition where close objects appear clear, but distant objects appear blurry. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.
While standard glasses and contact lenses can correct myopic vision, they do not stop the progression of myopia – especially during childhood and adolescence. Without proper intervention, children may develop high levels of myopia can develop, increasing the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including:
Myopia is rapidly increasing worldwide, making effective management a critical health concern for children’s long-term eye health.
Our eye care specialists provide myopia management plans tailored to your child’s age, lifestyle, risk factors, and degree of progression. Our treatment programs are based on leading clinical research and the latest technologies in the field.
Age Range: 5 to 18 years
Treatment Method: Nightly eye drop application
Effectiveness: Clinically proven to reduce myopia progression with minimal side effects
Our atropine therapy includes comprehensive exams, a three-month supply of medication and expert monitoring throughout treatment.
Age Range: 6-12 years
Treatment Method: Daily disposable soft contact lenses
Effectiveness: Proven to slow myopia progression by more than 50% in clinical trials
We offer CooperVision MiSight 1 day lenses, specifically FDA-approved for myopia control in children. Our MiSight program includes a comprehensive eye exam, lens fitting, annual lens supply, and three follow-up progression exams throughout the year.
Age Range: Typically, 6 to 17 years
Treatment Method: Overnight wear of custom rigid gas-permeable contact lenses
Effectiveness: Highly effective in slowing myopia and providing daytime freedom from glasses
Atlantic Eye Institute offers two of the most advanced FDA-approved Ortho-K lens designs:
Each program includes a comprehensive eye exam, customized contact lens evaluation, annual lens supply and three progression exams to monitor effectiveness and eye health.
We recommend starting treatment as soon as your child is diagnosed with myopia – typically between ages 6 and 12. Treatments are most effective during these rapid growth years but can still benefit teens up to age 18.
Studies show these treatments can slow myopia progression by significantly more than traditional corrective lenses alone. The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it tends to be in preventing high levels of myopia.
Are these treatments safe?
Yes. All options have undergone extensive safety testing and are FDA-approved. Side effects are rare and generally mild, such as temporary light sensitivity with atropine or a low risk of infection with contact lenses (minimized with proper hygiene).
How long does treatment last?
Most children remain in a myopia management program until their vision stabilizes, usually around age 17 to 18. Your doctor will tailor the duration based on your child’s progression and response to treatment.
Will insurance cover these treatments?
Coverage varies by plan. Our team will help you verify insurance benefits and offer flexible payment plans to make treatment accessible for your family.
Myopia management isn’t just about seeing clearly today-it’s about protecting your child’s eyes for a lifetime. By starting early and choosing a customized treatment plan, you can help reduce your child’s risk of serious vision problems down the road.
Schedule your child’s myopia consultation at Atlantic Eye Institute in Jacksonville, FL, today. Together, we’ll create a vision plan that supports long-term eye health and everyday confidence.
