Best Myopia Management Methods: Which One is Right for Your Child?

Myopia is becoming increasingly common in children—often progressing as they grow. Left untreated, it can lead to more severe vision problems later in life. At Primary Eyecare and Eyewear, we understand how important it is to protect your child’s vision and provide personalized solutions for myopia management right here in Saint Louis.

What Is Myopia Management?

Myopia management is a proactive approach to slowing the progression of nearsightedness in children. Unlike traditional vision correction, which simply compensates for blurry distance vision with glasses or contact lenses, myopia management focuses on addressing the underlying progression of the condition. Myopia typically develops in childhood and often worsens each year as the eyes continue to grow. Without intervention, high levels of myopia can lead to an increased risk of serious eye health issues later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Two of the most effective methods currently available for managing myopia progression in children are MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses and low-dose atropine eye drops. Understanding how each method works can help you and your child’s eye doctor determine which option is the best fit for your child’s lifestyle, age, and overall eye health.

MiSight® 1 Day Soft Contact Lenses

MiSight® 1 day lenses are FDA-approved soft contact lenses designed specifically for children with myopia. These daily disposable lenses correct nearsightedness while also slowing the progression of the condition through a unique dual-focus design.

Benefits of MiSight® lenses:

• Proven to slow myopia progression in children aged 8-12 at initiation

• Daily disposable lenses reduce the risk of infection

• Comfortable and easy for kids to wear

• Great for active children who don’t want to wear glasses

This solution is ideal for children who are responsible enough for contact lens wear and enjoy the freedom of glasses-free vision.

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are another effective method for slowing the progression of myopia. Used once daily, typically at bedtime, atropine eye drops help relax the eye’s focusing mechanism and reduce the stimulus for myopia progression.

Benefits of atropine drops:

• Non-invasive and easy to administer

• Suitable for younger children who may not be ready for contact lenses

• Can be used in combination with glasses

This option is well-suited for children who are less comfortable with contact lenses or prefer a simpler treatment routine.

Which Myopia Management Method Is Right for Your Child?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for myopia management. Choosing the best treatment depends on your child’s age, degree of myopia, daily activities, and preferences. The most important first step is a comprehensive pediatric eye exam. During this visit, our optometrist at Primary Eyecare and Eyewear will evaluate your child’s eye health, measure the progression of their myopia, and work with you to develop a personalized care plan.

Helping Families Across Saint Louis

Whether you’re considering MiSight® 1 day contact lenses or atropine eye drops, know that both are safe and effective methods to help manage your child’s myopia. The key to success lies in early intervention and personalized care.

We’re proud to support families in the Saint Louis area by offering the latest, evidence-based treatments to help preserve your child’s vision. Our goal is not only to correct their current vision but also to protect their long-term eye health with solutions tailored to their individual needs.

Schedule a pediatric eye exam at Primary Eyecare and Eyewear to learn which myopia management option is right for your child. Visit our office in Saint Louis, Missouri, or call (314) 962-1700 to book an appointment today.