Myopia
Management

We offer myopia management services for children in Austin, TX, designed to slow down the progression of nearsightedness (myopia). Myopia is becoming increasingly common and can lead to serious eye health issues later in life, but with early intervention, we can help safeguard your child's vision for the future.

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What is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye) is too steeply curved. This causes distant objects to appear blurry, while close-up vision remains clear.

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In the U.S., nearsightedness affects up to 40% of adults, and the condition typically starts in childhood. As children’s eyes continue to grow, myopia often worsens, which can lead to higher risks of vision-threatening eye diseases later in life, such as retinal detachment, cataracts, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration. The more severe the myopia, the greater the risk.

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Symptoms of Myopia

Children with myopia may experience a variety of symptoms that affect their daily activities. Common signs include:

• Blurry vision when looking at distant objects

• Squinting to see things clearly

• Eye strain from trying to focus

• Headaches caused by eye strain

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Beyond these physical symptoms, myopia can also impact your child’s academic performance, participation in sports, social interactions, and overall self-esteem. It is important to catch myopia early to prevent these challenges from affecting their quality of life.

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How We Manage Myopia Progression

At Northwest Hills Eye Care, we offer comprehensive pediatric eye exams to screen for myopia and create a personalized management plan for your child. The earlier we detect myopia, the better we can slow its progression and protect their long-term eye health.

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Cooper MiSight® 1-Day Contact Lenses

One of the most effective treatments for slowing myopia progression in children is the use of Cooper MiSight® 1-day soft contact lenses. These are the first FDA-approved contact lenses specifically designed for myopia control in children ages 8-12.

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Key Benefits of MiSight® Lenses:

• Proven to reduce myopia progression by 59% over three years.

• Safe, FDA-approved, and clinically tested.

• Convenient 1-day wear, so there's no need to clean or store lenses overnight.

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Our doctors are certified providers of this treatment and will guide you through the process, ensuring it’s the right option for your child.

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Low-Dose Medicated Eye Drops

Another effective option for managing myopia is low-dose medicated eye drops. These drops are administered nightly and work by slowing down the growth of the eye, helping to prevent it from becoming too elongated.

 

How Low-Dose Eye Drops Work:

• The drops help control eye elongation, a key factor in worsening myopia.

• Side effects at low doses are generally mild and may include temporary redness or itchiness around the eye.

 

This treatment is recommended for children and can be used for 2-3 years to slow the progression of myopia.

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