A Parent’s Guide to Myopia Control: How to Protect Your Child’s Vision

By Jeff Broadhead, O.D., Progressive Eye Care, South Jordan, UT

Myopia—commonly known as nearsightedness—is becoming increasingly common in children across the country. With more time spent on digital devices and less time outdoors, rates of myopia have risen dramatically over the past few decades. If your child has recently been diagnosed, it’s completely normal to feel concerned or unsure of what to do next.

This parent-friendly guide will help you understand myopia, why it matters, and what modern science now offers to slow its progression and protect your child’s long-term eye health.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia is a refractive condition in which distant objects look blurry, but near objects remain clear. It typically develops when:

• The eyeball grows too long
• Or the cornea has too much curve

This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Myopia usually begins in childhood and may progress quickly, especially during the school years. It often stabilizes in late teens or early adulthood.

Common Symptoms of Myopia in Children

You may notice:

• Blurry distance vision
• Squinting or frequent blinking
• Headaches or eye strain
• Difficulty seeing the board at school
• Sitting very close to screens or books

 

If your child has any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

 

Why Myopia Matters More Than You Think

Myopia isn’t just an inconvenience—it impacts long-term eye health. Higher levels of myopia significantly increase the risk of serious conditions later in life, including:

• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Myopic maculopathy

   

That’s why early management is essential. The goal is not only to correct vision today but to slow the progression and protect your child’s eyes for the future.

 

Modern Myopia Control: What Really Works

Thanks to major advancements in eye-care science, we now have several effective tools to slow the progression of myopia. These treatments help reduce the rate at which the eyeball elongates.

Here are the most widely used and scientifically supported options:

1. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K uses specially designed lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. During the day, your child enjoys clear vision with no glasses or contacts.

Research shows Ortho-K can significantly slow myopia progression, making it one of the most popular options.

2. Dual-Focus Soft Contact Lenses

Multifocal lenses—often used for adults with presbyopia—have been adapted for myopia control in designs such as MiSight 1-Day. Their unique design reduces strain on the visual system and slows the eye’s tendency to elongate.

They are safe, comfortable, and effective for many children.  

3. Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine (typically 0.01%–0.05%) is one of the strongest evidence-based treatments available today. These drops:

• Are used nightly
• Have minimal side effects
• Have been shown in multiple studies to slow progression

   

Atropine is an excellent option for children who may not be ready for contact lenses.

4. Spectacle Lenses for Myopia Control

Exciting advancements in glasses technology—such as Stellest® Lenses for Myopia and other defocus-based designs—allow children to slow their myopia progression using specially engineered eyeglasses.

These lenses look and feel like regular glasses but provide powerful protective benefits.

5. More Time Outdoors

Natural sunlight and distance focusing provide a protective effect against myopia. Aim for 1–2 hours of outdoor play each day. This simple lifestyle shift can make a meaningful difference.

 

Building a Myopia Management Plan

If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, here’s what to expect next:

 

Step 1: Comprehensive Eye Exam

Your doctor will measure:

• Prescription strength
• Eye alignment and focusing
• Eye health
• Axial length (when appropriate)
• Lifestyle and screen-time habits

 

This helps determine a starting point and risk level.

Step 2: Review Myopia Control Options

Together, you and your provider will select a customized plan. Some children benefit most from Ortho-K, while others do better with atropine, specialized glasses, or a combination.

Step 3: Regular Follow-Ups

Myopia control requires monitoring. Most children return every 6–12 months so adjustments can be made as needed.

Step 4: Support Healthy Visual Habits

A few changes go a long way:

• Use the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
• Reduce recreational screen time
• Ensure good lighting during reading or homework

 

These habits support all myopia control treatments.

 

Lifestyle Tips to Slow Myopia Progression

Here are simple but powerful changes you can make at home:

1. Limit Screen Time

Excessive near-work and screen use accelerates myopia progression. Try to balance digital activities with outdoor play.

2. Encourage Outdoor Activities

Sports, nature walks, playground time—anything that gets your child outside helps support healthy visual development.

3. Create a Healthy Study Space

Make sure your child’s desk setup prevents eye strain:

• Proper lighting
• Good posture
• Screen at arm’s length

   

4. Practice Regular Eye Breaks

Teach your child that breaks are part of good visual hygiene.

 

Supporting Your Child Emotionally

A new diagnosis can be confusing or even scary for kids. Your support makes all the difference.

Educate and Reassure

Explain that myopia is common and manageable. Knowing what to expect reduces worry.

Involve Them in Decisions

Let them participate in choosing between glasses, Ortho-K, atropine drops, or contact lenses. This builds confidence and cooperation.

Be Encouraging and Patient

Celebrate progress and remind them they are doing something important for their future eye health.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Myopia Control

The field of myopia management is growing rapidly. New drug therapies, advanced optical designs, and digital tools are expanding what’s possible for children worldwide. Early intervention is key—and the sooner we begin managing myopia, the better the long-term outcomes.

Serving Families in South Jordan, Herriman, Riverton, West Jordan, Sandy & Draper

At Progressive Eye Care in South Jordan, Utah, our doctors provide advanced, research-backed myopia control for children throughout the Salt Lake Valley. We are committed to helping kids see clearly today—and protecting their eye health for tomorrow.

Our team includes:

• Dr. Jeff Broadhead, OD
  
• Dr. Michael Chism, OD
  
• Dr. Michael Hope, OD
  
• Dr. Ana Schroeder, OD
  

   

   

Call to Schedule Your Child’s Myopia Control Consultation

If you’re concerned about your child’s vision or want to learn more about slowing myopia progression, we are here to help.

📞 Call us today at (385) 503-7680

👉 Schedule Your Appointment Online 24/7 

We’re happy to answer your questions and schedule a comprehensive evaluation.