Myopia Management in Huntsville
Is your child struggling to see the board at school or holding books and tablets unusually close to their face? They might have myopia, or nearsightedness, which is becoming more common in kids.¹ If current trends continue, half of the world’s population will be nearsighted by 2050, with up to one-fifth at increased risk of vision-threatening complications from severe myopia.¹
At 20/20 Eye Care, we understand how concerning this can be for parents, but there are steps you can take to protect your child’s eyesight. Our team offers personalized myopia management in Huntsville to help slow your child’s nearsightedness and protect their long-term vision. Our experienced eye doctors use safe, evidence-based treatments tailored to your child’s unique needs.
What is myopia?
Myopia happens when distant objects appear blurry while up-close vision stays clear. It occurs because the eye grows a little too long or the cornea is too curved, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina.
Myopia usually begins in childhood and can worsen as kids grow. Genetics plays a significant role in myopia development. However, recent research shows that lifestyle factors—like increased screen time, limited outdoor activity, and prolonged near work—can also contribute to how quickly nearsightedness progresses.²
Why early myopia control matters
High levels of myopia aren’t just about needing stronger glasses. They can increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. Even if your child sees clearly with glasses or contact lenses, these risks remain.
By addressing myopia early during regular pediatric eye exams, we can help slow its progression and reduce the likelihood of future complications. Protecting your child’s eyes now can have a lasting impact on their vision and eye health.
How we manage myopia progression
At 20/20 Eye Care, we offer several safe, evidence-based options to manage your child’s myopia:
MiSight® 1 day contact lenses
MiSight® 1-day lenses are the first and only FDA-approved soft contact lenses proven to slow myopia progression in children ages 8–12 at the start of treatment. These daily disposable lenses offer a dual benefit: they correct blurry distance vision and help slow the worsening of myopia over time.
Supported by the longest continuous soft contact lens study for myopia control, MiSight® 1 day slowed myopia progression by an average of 59% over three years.3 In that same research, 41% of children wearing MiSight® had no progression at all.
Stellest® lenses for pediatric myopia management
We’re proud to offer Essilor Stellest® lenses, the first FDA-authorized spectacle lenses proven to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. In clinical studies, these lenses slowed myopia progression by an average of 71% over two years.4 Our experienced eye doctors will build a personalized plan to help ensure your child’s Stellest® lenses fit comfortably and support their everyday activities.
Stellest® spectacle lenses are often recommended for children ages 6–12 with myopia, with or without astigmatism. Your child may be a good candidate for Stellest® lenses if:
- They’ve been recently diagnosed with myopia
- Their prescription has been steadily increasing over time
- They’re too young for (or not ready to wear) contact lenses
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology, often called ortho-k, uses custom-designed contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. Studies show ortho-k can slow myopia progression by 36%–50% compared with standard glasses or regular contact lenses.5
In the morning, the lenses are removed, allowing clear vision throughout the day—often without glasses or daytime contacts. In addition to correcting vision, ortho-k helps manage myopia progression by changing the way light focuses on the retina.
Low-dose atropine eye drops
Applied once daily, typically at bedtime, these prescription eye drops are a proven way to slow myopia progression. Side effects are usually mild and may include slight light sensitivity or temporary blurred near vision.
Take action to protect your child’s vision
Watching your child struggle with their eyesight can be stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. At 20/20 Eye Care, we’ll work with you and your child to create a plan that fits their needs and lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment today to see if myopia management in Huntsville is right for your child.