Myopia Management

Myopia Defined

A condition in which the visual images come to a focus in front of the retina of the eye because of defects in the refractive media of the eye or of abnormal length of the eyeball resulting especially in defective vision of distant objects. - called also nearsightedness. (Merriam_Webster)

Why Myopia Management

Myopia is a progressive eye condition that often worsens during childhood. Children diagnosed at a young age are at greater risk of developing high myopia, which can lead to serious eye health complications later in life. Early detection and treatment are essential.

Traditional correction methods—such as eyeglasses and standard contact lenses—help improve vision but do not treat the progression of myopia.

Managing myopia helps slow the growth of the eye’s axial length—the main factor linked to myopia-related eye disease. Early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications.

At Premier Eyecare, we have been involved in myopia management for many years and use advanced technology to measure axial length in at-risk pediatric patients—something not typically included in routine exams. Early detection is important, but proactive management is key to slowing progression.

Myopia management is an elective program designed to protect your child’s long-term vision. Once enrolled, the program includes materials needed, regular office visits, and axial length measurements—all at no additional cost.

We are committed to providing the latest advancements in myopia treatment to support your child’s lifelong eye health.

Managing Myopia

Ortho-K: Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) has been used since the 1960s and now features advanced materials and designs. These lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear daytime vision without glasses. By changing both central and peripheral focus, Ortho-K helps slow axial length growth and myopia progression. When properly fitted by an experienced eye care professional and worn with good hygiene, Ortho-K is a safe and effective treatment option.

Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine is used to help slow myopia progression by reducing axial length growth. At the low concentrations used for myopia management, side effects such as light sensitivity and near blur are uncommon. Although its exact mechanism is not fully understood, research shows it is effective. Atropine is often recommended for children who are too young for contact lenses or prefer not to wear them.

Specialty Soft Contact Lenses: MiSight® 1 day contact lenses use ActivControl® Technology to provide clear distance vision while delivering gentle treatment signals that help slow axial length growth. MiSight® is currently the only FDA-approved daily soft contact lens specifically indicated to slow myopia progression in children.

Multi-focal soft contact lenses may also be prescribed “off label” when appropriate and are an effective option for managing myopia in children. These lenses correct clear central vision while creating a different focus in the peripheral retina. By altering peripheral focus, they reduce the eye’s stimulus to elongate—helping slow myopia progression.

Both of these lens options are worn during the day and discarded as directed. Because they do not reshape the cornea, glasses may still be needed at times. If ortho-k lenses are not well tolerated or a child prefers daytime contact lenses, soft lenses are an excellent alternative.

Stellest Lenses for Glasses: Essilor Stellest® lenses are advanced spectacle lenses designed to both correct vision and slow myopia progression in children. Using highly aspherical lenslet (HAL) technology, they create a treatment zone that helps reduce the stimulus for eye growth while maintaining clear central vision. Stellest lenses are worn like regular glasses, making them a comfortable, non-contact lens option for managing myopia. This option may also be combined with use of atropine drops. Essilor is the first company to get this type of lens FDA approved in America. Other companies will be releasing options in the near future.