Myopia Management in Denham Springs
We provide personalized myopia management in Denham Springs for children with nearsightedness that is getting worse. Myopia management does more than correct blurry distance vision — it can help slow progression as your child grows.
After a thorough evaluation, we’ll recommend a treatment plan based on your child’s prescription, age, eye health, and lifestyle.
What is Myopia?
Myopia, also called nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that makes nearby objects appear clear while distant objects look blurry. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved. Instead of focusing directly on the retina, light focuses in front of it, causing blurry distance vision.
Myopia can run in families. If one or both parents are nearsighted, their child may be more likely to develop myopia. It is often diagnosed during childhood and may continue to progress through the teen years as the eyes grow.
- Low myopia: A prescription of -3.00D or less. Children may see clearly up close but need eyeglasses or contact lenses for school, sports, and other distance activities.
- Moderate myopia: A prescription between -3.25D and -6.00D.
- High myopia: A prescription greater than -6.00D. People with high myopia typically need glasses or contact lenses throughout the day and face a greater lifetime risk of certain eye conditions.
See how different levels of nearsightedness can affect vision with this myopia simulator.
Why manage progressive myopia?
Eyeglasses and standard contact lenses sharpen vision, but they do not necessarily address myopia progression. As myopia increases, children may have more trouble seeing the board at school, recognizing objects in the distance, or participating comfortably in sports and other activities.
Higher levels of myopia are associated with an increased lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration. Regular pediatric eye exams help us monitor changes in your child’s vision and recommend treatment when appropriate.
Myopia management options
Our doctors create a customized myopia management plan for each child. Treatment options may include:
Essilor® Stellest® lenses
These specially designed eyeglass lenses correct blurry vision while helping slow myopia progression in children. They are a great option for children who prefer glasses or are not ready for contact lenses.
MiSight® 1 day contact lenses
These daily disposable soft contact lenses correct vision and are designed to help slow myopia progression. MiSight® 1 day lenses are FDA-approved for children who begin treatment between ages 8 and 12. Since your child uses a fresh pair each day, there is no cleaning or storage routine.
Low-dose atropine eye drops
Used at bedtime, they can be a good option for children who are not candidates for contact lenses or need another management approach. Your child’s doctor will determine whether this treatment is right for them.
Schedule a myopia management evaluation in Denham Springs
If your child is squinting, sitting close to screens, struggling to see the board at school, or needing stronger glasses each year, it may be time for a myopia management evaluation.
During an exam, our doctors will evaluate your child’s vision, explain their options, and recommend a personalized plan for managing myopia.