Myopia Management in Gonzales

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common condition where people have difficulty seeing objects in the distance, such as road signs while driving or a blackboard in a classroom. They can, however, clearly see objects up close, such as books, computer screens, and phones.

Myopia is on the rise, especially among children. Common symptoms of myopia in children can include squinting, frequent headaches, eye strain, sitting very close to screens or the TV, and complaining that distant objects look blurry.1 Some children may also seem more tired after school or visual tasks that require distance focusing.

Young children may not realize they have a vision problem, which is why regular pediatric eye exams are crucial to detect myopia early on. At Accent Vision Care, our experienced eye doctors offer myopia management in Gonzales as an effective way to control myopia progression in young children and teenagers.

What causes myopia?

Myopia happens when the eyeball is too long or when the cornea or lens is too curved for the length of the eye. It often begins in childhood and can run in families.

The most significant changes in myopia typically occur between ages 6 and 16.² During these years, children experience rapid growth and important visual development. With every growth spurt, your child’s eye is elongating, and the cornea is steepening. Myopia progression often begins to slow around age 16, and about 75% of people see their prescription stabilize by age 18.³

When children are diagnosed with myopia, their condition is typically treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses. While these options can correct blurry vision, they do not slow down the elongation of the eye or halt the progression of myopia.

Has your child been diagnosed with myopia? See the world through their eyes using this myopia simulator.

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Why is managing myopia important?

Progressive myopia (myopia that continually worsens over time) is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Recent studies estimate that more than half of the world’s population will have myopia by 2050.⁴

As rates continue to rise, so does the importance of understanding the long-term risks associated with progressive myopia. Those with progressive myopia are at a higher risk for developing eye health problems later in life. These problems can include cataracts, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and glaucoma.

Because of this, it is important for children to see an eye doctor regularly for comprehensive eye exams to screen for myopia early and monitor eye health as they grow.

Nearsightedness today worsens so much more rapidly than it did in the past. This means that our children are at higher risk of developing sight-threatening eye conditions due to their high prescription.

We now have technology that we did not have before to slow down how fast prescriptions can change. The earlier we can start slowing down eye growth and nearsightedness, the better we can ensure our children will have healthy eyes for their lifetime.

-Dr. Devillier

Our myopia management solutions

At Accent Vision Care, we provide the latest, research-based myopia management options to help slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and protect long-term eye health. We are the only practice in our area offering the full range of myopia control treatments, allowing us to tailor care to each child’s specific needs.

We adopt a personalized approach, combining advanced technology and proven treatments to give children the best chance at healthier vision as they grow.

Stellest® lenses

Essilor Stellest® lenses are specially designed eyeglass lenses that help slow the progression of myopia while also correcting blurry up-close vision. Clinical studies have shown that Stellest® lenses can slow myopia progression by an average of 71% compared to standard single vision lenses.⁵ They can be a great option for children who are not ready for contact lenses but still benefit from myopia management.

MiSight® contact lenses

MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses are specially designed for myopia management and are FDA approved to help slow the progression of myopia in children ages 8 to 12 at the start of treatment. Clinical studies show that children who wore MiSight® lenses experienced significantly less progression, averaging less than -1.00D over six years.⁶

Orthokeratology (ortho-k)

Orthokeratology lenses are custom overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. In the morning, your child removes the lenses, and they can see clearly throughout the day without needing glasses or contacts. Studies have shown that ortho-k lenses can slow myopia progression by about 36% to 50% compared to standard glasses or contact lenses.⁷

Low-dose atropine drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are used once a day, usually at bedtime, to help slow myopia progression in children. This is a well-studied option that can be used on its own or alongside other myopia management treatments for added support.

Protect your child’s vision as they grow

Myopia is starting earlier and progressing faster. Are you interested in learning more about myopia management and treatment options? Schedule an eye exam for your child at our Gonzales location to learn if they are a good candidate for myopia control.

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Frequently asked questions about myopia

What are the risk factors for myopia?

Genetics and lifestyle both influence myopia. Children face a higher risk if one or both parents are nearsighted. Increased screen time, frequent near work like reading or tablets, and limited outdoor time can also contribute to the development and progression of myopia.

Can myopia be cured or reversed?

Myopia cannot be cured or reversed, but we can manage it. Myopia management treatments slow how quickly it progresses, which helps protect long-term eye health and lowers the risk of future vision problems.

What is myopia management?

Myopia management is a proven way to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. It uses treatments such as custom lenses, contact lenses, or medicated eye drops to support healthier eye growth over time.

What is the recommended age to start treatment?

The best time to start depends on when we detect myopia. Many children begin treatment between ages 6 and 12, but we base timing on each child’s needs. Regular eye exams help us identify the right time to start.

What is the success rate and what are the long-term effects?

Results vary for each child, but research shows myopia management can significantly slow progression. Slower progression can also reduce the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

What is the cost of myopia management?

The cost depends on the treatment we recommend and your child’s specific needs. At the visit, we review options with you and help you choose a plan that works for your family.

Is myopia management covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage varies by plan. Most plans cover routine eye exams, but they often do not cover specialized myopia treatments. Our team can help you review your benefits, so you understand your options.