Myopia Management Practice: How to Slow the Progression of Childhood Myopia

Childhood myopia, or nearsightedness, does not have to mean stronger glasses every year. Myopia management offers treatment options designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children, including MiSight contact lenses, orthokeratology (Ortho-K), atropine, and myopia-control glasses. As these options become more widely available, optometrists can move beyond simply correcting vision and help families take a more proactive approach to their children’s eye health.

In Partnership with CooperVision

On the Defocus Media Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Lyerly and Dr. Alicia Barnes explore how to select the right myopia control treatment, educate parents, and make myopia management part of everyday eye care.

Table of ContentsMyopia Management Options for ChildrenChoosing the Right Myopia Control TreatmentTalking to Parents About Childhood Myopia ManagementHow to Bring Myopia Management Into Your Practice

Myopia Management Options for Children

Barnes’ experience with orthokeratology began roughly 25 years ago, before she thought of it specifically as myopia management. At the time, ortho-k offered patients another way to correct their vision without relying on daytime glasses or soft contact lenses.

When she opened TrueVision Eye Care in 2013, patient demand helped shape the practice. Many families in the community already knew about orthokeratology and expected it to be available. As new research and myopia management options emerged, Barnes continued building on that foundation.

Her experience also illustrates an important lesson for doctors interested in myopia management: you do not have to have everything figured out before getting started.

Choosing the Right Myopia Control Treatment

With more myopia control options available, selecting a treatment requires looking beyond the prescription.

Barnes considers the child’s lifestyle, comfort, and preferences alongside the family’s concerns. A young athlete may appreciate the freedom of orthokeratology, but a child uncomfortable with overnight lenses may be better suited for another option, such as MiSight contact lenses. For children who do not want contact lenses, atropine or myopia-control glasses may also be considered.

Lyerly emphasizes that anatomy, corneal topography, prescription, and daily activities also influence the decision. An avid swimmer, for example, may have different needs from a child with significant astigmatism.