If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, you might be wondering what that means for their future eye health. Myopia typically begins in childhood and progresses over time, sometimes leading to high prescriptions that can increase the risk of serious eye conditions like retinal detachment or glaucoma later in life. If you're in Waco or the surrounding areas and want to ensure your child has the best possible vision for years to come, here's what you need to know.

What Is Myopia Management?

Myopia management is a collection of treatments designed to slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children. Unlike traditional glasses or contact lenses that simply correct blurry vision, these treatments actively work to reduce how quickly myopia worsens over time.

Children’s vision is still developing, and their eye shape is constantly changing. Without intervention, myopia can progress rapidly, leading to higher prescriptions and an increased risk of long-term eye problems. That’s why early treatment is essential.

Why Is Myopia Management Essential?

Many parents assume that wearing glasses is the only solution for nearsightedness, but myopia isn’t just about blurry distance vision—it’s about eye health. High myopia (stronger prescriptions) is linked to an increased risk of:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts at an earlier age

• Myopic macular degeneration

By taking steps now, you’re giving your child a better chance at maintaining healthy vision throughout their life. We offer several proven myopia control treatments tailored to your child’s unique needs:

Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses

Multifocal contact lenses, originally designed for adults with presbyopia, have been adapted to help slow myopia progression in children. These lenses have special designs that help guide how light focuses on the retina, signaling the eye to slow its elongation—the primary cause of myopia progression. Many children adapt quickly to contact lenses and find them to be a comfortable, convenient alternative to glasses.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K lenses are specialty gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight. While your child sleeps, these lenses gently reshape the cornea, temporarily correcting their vision for the next day—eliminating the need for daytime glasses or contacts.

Beyond convenience, Ortho-K has been shown to significantly slow the progression of myopia, making it a great option for active kids who play sports or simply don’t want to wear glasses during the day.

Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine eye drops, used in a low concentration, have been shown to effectively slow down myopia progression with minimal side effects. These drops are administered once a day before bedtime and are an excellent choice for younger children or those not ready for contact lenses.

Supporting Families in Waco, Texas

We know that every child is unique, and so is their vision. That’s why we take the time to evaluate your child’s specific needs and recommend the best treatment plan for their lifestyle. Whether your child is involved in sports, spends hours on screens, or prefers the simplicity of eye drops, we’ll work with you to find the right solution.

If you’re ready to explore the best myopia management options for your child, schedule an eye exam with Waco Vision Source. Visit our office in Waco, Texas, or call (254) 776-8119 to book an appointment today.