Myopia (nearsightedness) isn't just about needing thicker glasses each year, higher myopia raises the lifetime risk of serious eye problems like retinal detachment and glaucoma. The good news: we can often slow how fast it progresses while your child is still growing. That's what myopia management is.
Proven ways we slow myopia
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), custom lenses worn overnight that gently reshape the eye, so kids see clearly all day without glasses or daytime contacts
- Low-dose atropine, a nightly eye drop shown to meaningfully slow progression
- Multifocal soft contacts, specially designed daytime lenses (like MiSight) that correct vision and curb growth
- Essilor Stellest lenses, breakthrough myopia-control eyeglasses that slow progression while your child sees clearly, one of our most-requested options (parents often ask for them by name), with no contacts or drops required
- Monitoring that matters, we use a biometer to measure axial length (the length of the eyeball) and track the change over time so we can adjust the plan as your child grows
A plan built around your child
There's no one-size-fits-all here. We start by measuring where your child is today, talk through which option fits their age, lifestyle and prescription, and build a plan you're comfortable with. Spanish-speaking families are welcome, Dr. Combe can walk you through everything in Spanish.
Myopia management pairs naturally with regular pediatric eye exams, so we can keep a close eye on your child's progress year over year.
Frequently asked questions
What age is best to start myopia management?
As soon as we see myopia beginning to progress, often between ages 6 and 12. Earlier intervention generally protects more vision, but it can still help older kids and teens.
Do you offer Essilor Stellest lenses?
Yes! Essilor Stellest is a breakthrough myopia-control eyeglass lens with strong published results, and it's become one of our most-requested options, parents often ask for it by name. If your child does better in glasses than in contacts or drops, Stellest lets them slow myopia progression with an everyday pair of glasses. Ask us whether it's a good fit.
Does ortho-K really let kids skip daytime glasses?
Yes. Ortho-K lenses are worn only at night and gently reshape the cornea, so most kids see clearly all day without glasses or contacts, while also slowing progression.
Is low-dose atropine safe?
Low-dose atropine has been studied extensively and is well tolerated by most children. We'll review the benefits and any side effects and monitor closely.
Will my child's myopia reverse?
Management slows progression rather than reversing it, the goal is to keep the prescription as low as possible long-term, which lowers the risk of future eye disease.