Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common vision condition where nearby objects appear clear, but distant objects look blurry. This condition is becoming increasingly common among children, often linked to excessive screen time, more schoolwork, less outdoor activity, and genetics.

Childhood myopia doesn’t just affect eyesight—it can also impact school performance, reduce self-confidence, and even be associated with higher risks of mental health challenges according to some studies.

When myopia begins at a young age, it often progresses quickly. This rapid worsening can result in greater dependence on glasses or contact lenses and a higher risk of long-term eye complications.

That’s where myopia management plays a vital role. By using advanced treatments, we can slow down the progression of myopia in children, protecting their vision and supporting their academic success, self-esteem, and long-term eye health. With the right approach, your child can enjoy clearer vision and reach their full potential.

One of the most frequent questions parents ask is: “Why haven’t I heard about myopia management until now?” The reality is that myopia (nearsightedness) is becoming far more common in children today compared to previous generations. While increased “screen time” is a major contributor, genetics and lifestyle factors also play a role.

Genetics are a strong risk factor for myopia, and the condition is particularly common among Asian populations. About 45 years ago, only around 25% of Americans aged 12 to 54 had myopia. However, a 2009 study showed that number had nearly doubled, with 42% of this age group affected. Researchers now estimate that by 2050 nearly 5 billion people worldwide—about half the global population—will have myopia. If myopia were life-threatening, it would be called an epidemic, highlighting the urgency of this trend.

The positive news is that in the past decade, research on myopia has grown tremendously. New FDA-approved myopia management treatments are now available, and the success rate of these treatments has improved significantly.

In short, if you haven’t heard much about myopia before, you’re not alone. But with the right treatment plan, children with myopia can enjoy better vision and a brighter future.

If you’re considering myopia management options for your child, we are happy to provide a free phone consultation at (919) 850 5910 or hello@raleighcontactlens.com.

There are three primary myopia management treatments that have been shown to help slow the worsening of a child’s vision:

• MiSight Daily Lenses – FDA-approved daily disposable contact lenses designed specifically for myopia control.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K / OK Lenses) – Special overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps.
• Atropine Eye Drops – A low-dose drop used nightly to slow myopia progression.

Choosing the right treatment depends on factors such as your child’s prescription, age, motivation, maturity, time spent outdoors, sports activities, and school schedule. In many cases, atropine may be combined with specialized contact lenses (such as Ortho-K or MiSight) for even greater effectiveness.

During a myopia management consultation, our doctors take time to understand your child’s needs, lifestyle, and vision goals before recommending the most suitable treatment option.

The good news is that with today’s advanced treatment options—Orthokeratology, MiSight daily lenses, and Atropine eye drops—nearly all children with myopia can benefit.

Our doctors will meet with you and your child to carefully review prescription details, lifestyle habits, and long-term vision goals. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that not only protects your child’s eyesight but also supports their confidence, school performance, and active lifestyle.

It’s normal for parents to wonder whether their child is ready for contact lenses. Multiple clinical studies have shown that children are often safer and more responsible contact lens wearers than teens or adults.

Starting myopia management early provides significant long-term benefits. Since myopia tends to progress most rapidly between ages 6 and 9, early intervention can help prevent large prescription changes and keep nearsightedness as low as possible.

Additionally, research shows that contact lens wear can boost self-esteem in children, improving their confidence in school, sports, and social settings.

At the Raleigh Contact Lens Institute, our doctors schedule regular follow-ups to carefully monitor your child’s eye health, provide ongoing support, and ensure safe contact lens handling at every stage.

Your child’s initial myopia management exam includes a series of advanced tests to ensure accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan:

• Refraction – Measures your child’s most up-to-date prescription.
• Ocular Health Exam – A thorough evaluation of the front and back of the eye to confirm candidacy for myopia management treatments.
• Corneal Topography – Maps the unique shape of the cornea to guide the best contact lens fit.
• Binocular Vision Assessment – Ensures both eyes are working together correctly.
• Meibography – Evaluates the meibomian glands, which are essential for keeping contact lenses comfortable and preventing dry eye symptoms.

These advanced tests allow us to customize the safest and most effective treatment option for your child.

If your child is new to contacts, don’t worry — we provide a comprehensive training session. During this class, your child will learn how to safely insert, remove, and care for their lenses, as well as proper hygiene habits to keep their eyes healthy.

The learning process doesn’t end there. Children are encouraged, supported, and “quizzed” on their skills until they feel confident.

We also schedule a 1-week follow-up to address any challenges, recheck ocular health, and ensure that contact lenses are fitting safely and comfortably.