Myopia Management at Coastal Vision in Chesapeake
At Coastal Vision we offer expert myopia management to help slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and teens. Our personalized treatments aim to protect long-term vision health, reduce the risk of future eye conditions, and help your child see clearly and confidently every day.
Why Parents Should Be Concerned About Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common among children, and it’s more than just needing glasses to see clearly. If you’re a parent of a child with myopia, you should know that myopia often worsens over time, leading to what’s known as “high myopia”—defined as a prescription of -6.00 diopters or greater. High myopia significantly increases the risk of serious eye health issues later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and even permanent vision loss.
Myopia typically develops when the eye grows too long or the cornea becomes too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Genetics, extended close-up work like reading or screen use, and limited time spent outdoors are all contributing factors.
While standard glasses and contact lenses can correct blurry vision, they do not stop myopia from worsening. Early intervention is crucial to help preserve long-term eye health and reduce the risks associated with high myopia.
Myopia Management to Protect Your Child’s Eye Health
Coastal Vision offers advanced myopia management options that can slow, or even stop, the progression of your child's myopia. With personalized treatment plans, we can help safeguard your child's vision for the future, ensuring they enjoy clear, healthy sight for many years to come. Below, our Chesapeake eye care team discusses a few of the most popular methods of myopia management, and who they work best for.
Choosing the Best Treatment for Your Child
Selecting the right myopia management treatment depends on your child's age, lifestyle, myopia progression rate, and overall eye health. During a comprehensive eye exam, we evaluate all these factors, along with family history and daily habits, to recommend the most effective approach. Some children may benefit most from atropine drops, while others are better suited for Ortho-K or multifocal lenses.
Our goal is to create a customized plan that slows myopia progression, supports your child's vision needs, and fits comfortably into their everyday life.
Are Atropine Drops the Best Choice?
Atropine drops may be the best option if your child is young, has rapidly progressing myopia, or prefers a non-invasive treatment. They are ideal for children who may not be ready for contact lenses or for families seeking an easy, low-maintenance solution. Since the drops are administered nightly, they fit easily into most routines. Atropine is especially effective for children who have a strong family history of myopia or other risk factors. We’ll closely monitor your child’s progress to ensure the best possible results.
Are Ortho-K or Multifocal Lenses the Best Choice?
Ortho-K or multifocal lenses may be the best option for children who are active, responsible, and motivated to be free from glasses during the day. Ortho-K lenses provide clear daytime vision and are ideal for young athletes or children with active lifestyles. Multifocal lenses are a great choice for those who prefer daytime wear and are comfortable handling soft contact lenses.
Both of these methods not only correct vision but also help slow myopia progression, offering flexibility and excellent long-term eye health protection.