Stopping Nearsightedness in Its Tracks: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Is your child’s vision getting worse every year?
Have you noticed them squinting… sitting closer to screens… or struggling to see the board at school?
Do you ever wonder, “Is this normal — or is something more serious happening?”
You’re not alone. Nearsightedness (myopia) is rising rapidly among children in South Jordan, Herriman, Riverton, West Jordan, Sandy, and Draper — and parents everywhere are asking the same questions.
The good news? Myopia is manageable, and today’s treatments can significantly slow its progression when started early.
Why Myopia Progression Matters
Most parents think nearsightedness just means thicker glasses.
But did you know:
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Higher levels of myopia increase the risk of retinal detachment
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Myopia raises the lifelong risk of glaucoma and macular degeneration
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Myopia is considered a progressive eye disease, not just a refractive error
This is why slowing myopia early — not just correcting it — is so important.
Modern Myopia Control: Real Answers for Concerned Parents
At Progressive Eye Care in South Jordan, we offer four proven, science-backed ways to slow your child’s myopia progression:
1. Stellest® Myopia-Control Glasses
FDA-approved, child-friendly, and ideal for kids who aren’t ready for contacts or eye drops.
Simple. Comfortable. Highly effective.
2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Overnight lenses reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, giving clear daytime vision and slowing myopia progression.
3. Atropine Therapy
Low-dose atropine drops, used worldwide, have strong evidence showing they slow myopia progression safely.
4. Dual-Focus Soft Contact Lenses
A comfortable daily option that both corrects vision and slows the eye’s elongation.
Summer Is the Perfect Time to Start Ortho-K
Many parents ask when the best time is to begin Ortho-K — and the answer is often summer.
Here’s why:
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More time to adapt: Kids can adjust to the nightly routine without rushing for school in the morning.
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Fewer schedule conflicts: Vacations and flexible bedtimes make the transition smoother.
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Instant daytime freedom: Clear vision for swimming, sports, camps, and outdoor activities — no glasses needed.
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Perfect for new habits: Summer helps kids settle into a consistent nightly routine before school starts again.
If your child has been curious about Ortho-K or has struggled with glasses during sports, summer is the easiest and most exciting time to begin.
Important Questions Parents Often Ask
If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to start treatment, consider these questions:
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How would I feel if my child’s prescription doubled in the next year or two?
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What might their long-term vision look like if we don’t intervene now?
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Is their increasing dependency on glasses affecting confidence, classroom performance, or sports?
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If there’s a proven way to slow this down, why wait?
These are the key concerns we help parents think through every day.
Years of Leading Myopia Care in Utah
Families across the Salt Lake Valley trust our experienced team —
Dr. Jeffrey Broadhead, OD, Dr. Michael Hope, OD, Dr. Michael Chism, OD, and Dr. Ana Schroeder, OD — to protect their children’s vision for life.
We are proud members of the AAOMC (American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control) and recognized leaders in advanced pediatric myopia management for Utah families.
Take the Next Step — Your Child’s Future Vision Depends On It
If you’ve noticed your child’s prescription increasing… don’t wait.
Myopia progresses the fastest during childhood — and early action makes the biggest impact.
📞 Call us at 801-676-2020
💻 Schedule your child’s Myopia Control Consultation online 24/7
👉 https://progressive-eyecare.net
You can’t stop your child from growing — but you can stop their nearsightedness from growing with them.
