What Is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?

Myopia is one of the most common vision conditions in children today. It occurs when the eye grows too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Near vision often remains clear, but the underlying problem, eye elongation, continues to progress without treatment.

Myopia typically starts in early childhood and often increases every year. Early detection and treatment by a myopia control specialist is key to protecting long-term eye health.

Why Myopia Progression Is a Serious Concern

Corrective glasses improve clarity but do not slow the eye’s growth. As the eye becomes more elongated, the risk of sight-threatening eye diseases increases dramatically, including:

• Retinal detachment
• Myopic macular degeneration
• Glaucoma
• Early cataracts

Slowing eye elongation is the most effective way to reduce these long-term risks. That’s why more parents are turning to proven myopia control treatments instead of relying on glasses alone.

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia develops due to a combination of:

• Genetics: Children with one or both parents who are nearsighted are at higher risk.
• Lifestyle
  • Excess screen time
  • Prolonged near work
  • Limited outdoor activity
  • Poor lighting during reading or homework
• Age: Myopia progresses fastest between ages 6–14, making early intervention essential.
  
  

What Is Myopia Control?

Myopia control refers to evidence-based treatments designed to slow down eye growth and reduce how quickly a child’s prescription increases. These therapies do more than simply correct vision; they help preserve long-term ocular health.

At TSO Mansfield, our expert optometrists specialize in pediatric myopia management and use advanced diagnostic technology to create personalized treatment plans.

Myopia Control Treatments We Offer

1. MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses

MiSight^® lenses are FDA-approved daily disposable contact lens specifically designed to slow myopia progression in children.

Benefits include:

• Easy to insert and remove
• Excellent comfort
• Slows axial eye growth
• Safe for kids as young as age 7

2. Essilor Stellest^® Eyeglass Lenses

Specialty spectacle lenses using advanced optical designs help reduce peripheral hyperopic defocus, which contributes to myopia progression.

These are excellent options for children not yet ready for contacts.

3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K lenses are custom-fitted overnight contact lenses that reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. They provide clear daytime vision without glasses and are clinically proven to slow down myopia. They also allow freedom for sports and active lifestyles.

This is one of the most effective myopia management options available today.

4. Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

These prescription drops gently reduce the rate of eye elongation.

• Ideal for young children
• Can be used alone or combined with Ortho-K/MiSight^®
• No impact on daytime vision when properly prescribe

Signs Your Child May Have Myopia

• Squinting to see the board at school
• Sitting close to screens
• Holding books or tablets very close
• Frequent headaches
• Complaints of blurry distance vision
• Rapid prescription increases

If your child shows any of these signs, a comprehensive eye examination is recommended.

Why Early Myopia Treatment Matters

Early intervention leads to:

• Lower final prescription
• Reduced risk of retinal and macular disease
• Better quality of life
• More stable vision through the teen years
• The earlier we begin treatment, the more effectively we can control eye growth.
  
  

Your Child’s Myopia Control Consultation

At your visit, our doctors will:

1. Perform a comprehensive pediatric eye exam
2. Measure prescription changes
3. Evaluate lifestyle, screen use, and risk factors
4. Recommend the best treatment options
5. Create a customized myopia management plan
6. Monitor progress regularly to ensure optimal results
   
   

Frequently Asked Questions

Is myopia control safe?
Yes. All treatments we offer are backed by extensive clinical research.

How long does my child need to be in treatment?
Most children continue until eye growth slows typically in the mid-to-late teen years.

Will insurance cover myopia control?
Myopia control is not covered by insurance. Our office provides transparent pricing and flexible payment options.

What age is best to start myopia control?
Between ages 5–12 is most effective, but treatment can benefit many teens as well.

Ready to Slow Your Child’s Myopia?

If you're looking for trusted myopia control in Mansfield, TX, our expert doctors are here to help.
We specialize in pediatric eye care, advanced diagnostic technology, and evidence-based treatments proven to protect your child’s long-term vision.

Schedule your child’s myopia consultation today.