Can Myopia Be Managed Without Eyeglasses? Alternatives for Children to Consider

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a growing concern for children worldwide. As more young patients experience early onset and rapid progression of myopia, parents are asking an important question: Can myopia be managed without eyeglasses? Thankfully, there are innovative alternatives that can slow the progression of myopia and help preserve long-term vision health. At Monrovia Optometry, we believe in offering families the latest and most effective solutions for managing myopia.

What Is Myopia Control and Why Is It Important?

Myopia control refers to a set of treatments designed to slow down the progression of nearsightedness, rather than simply correcting blurry vision. Managing myopia is critical because higher degrees of myopia are linked to an increased risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

By starting myopia control early, children not only enjoy clearer vision now but also reduce their risk of vision-threatening complications in the future. While traditional glasses correct myopia, they do not slow its progression. 

Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine eye drops, administered in very low doses, are an effective and safe way to slow myopia progression in children. These drops work by temporarily relaxing the eye's focusing mechanism, which researchers believe plays a role in myopia development. Atropine treatment can be used alongside other solutions, but some children use them independently with remarkable results.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K, also known as overnight lenses, involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses while sleeping. These lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight, allowing children to see clearly during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts. Ortho-K has been clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia and offers the benefit of clear vision without daytime lens wear.

Multifocal Contact Lenses or Glasses

Soft multifocal contact lenses, similar to those used for presbyopia in adults, have also been adapted for myopia control in children. These lenses provide different focusing powers within the same lens, helping to manage the way light focuses on the retina. Studies have shown that children who wear multifocal contact lenses can experience a significant slowing in the progression of their nearsightedness.

While not as effective as contact lenses or Ortho-K, multifocal eyeglasses are another option for myopia management, especially for younger children who are not yet ready for contact lenses. These glasses have different lens powers for distance and near vision, helping to alter the eye's focusing effort and reduce the stimulus for myopia progression.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Eyeglasses are no longer the only answer for managing childhood myopia. With options like atropine eye drops, Ortho-K, and multifocal contact lenses, children now have multiple pathways to clearer vision and better long-term eye health. Early intervention is key to ensuring the best outcomes.

To learn more about the best myopia control options for your child, schedule a pediatric eye exam with Monrovia Optometry. Visit our office in Monrovia, California, or call (626) 359-1213 to book an appointment today.