In recent years, the prevalence of myopia has been steadily rising, especially among children. At Patterson Eye Clinic, we’re committed to helping families in Richmond understand this growing concern and guiding them through the most effective solutions for managing it.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Children with myopia often find it difficult to see the whiteboard at school, recognize faces from a distance, or enjoy outdoor activities without corrective lenses. While glasses or contact lenses can correct vision, they do not stop the condition from progressing over time.

What Is Myopia Management and Why Is It Important?

Myopia management refers to a range of treatments aimed at slowing the progression of nearsightedness, rather than just correcting the vision. This is particularly important because high levels of myopia can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Myopic maculopathy

By managing myopia early, especially during childhood when the eyes are still developing, we can help preserve long-term eye health and reduce the likelihood of these complications.

Effective Myopia Control Strategies

Low-dose atropine eye drops have shown significant success in slowing myopia progression in children. These drops are typically applied once daily and work by relaxing the eye’s focusing mechanism. They are well tolerated by most children and have minimal side effects. However, they don’t provide vision correction, so they’re often used in combination with glasses or contact lenses.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves wearing specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while the child sleeps, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contacts. In addition to offering daytime freedom from lenses, Ortho-K has been shown to slow the elongation of the eye, which is the key contributor to myopia progression.

Multifocal soft contact lenses help focus light more evenly on the retina and have been shown to reduce myopia progression effectively. They’re a good option for kids who are comfortable wearing contacts during the day and can responsibly manage lens hygiene.

What’s the Most Effective Form?

The best form of myopia control varies from child to child. Each method has its own advantages and may be more suitable depending on the child’s age, prescription, eye health, and lifestyle. In many cases, a combination approach may be recommended to achieve the best results.

At Patterson Eye Clinic, we take a personalized approach to myopia management. Our optometrist will perform a thorough eye exam, assess risk factors, and work with you to develop a custom treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam with Patterson Eye Clinic Today

Myopia is more than just a vision issue—it’s a growing eye health concern. Early intervention is the key to protecting your child’s vision now and in the future. With the right treatment strategy, we can slow myopia progression and lower the risk of sight-threatening complications later in life.

Schedule your child’s eye exam with Patterson Eye Clinic to explore the most effective myopia management solutions for optimal vision and eye health. Visit our office in Richmond, Virginia, or call (804) 285-7638 to book an appointment today.