Myopia Control

As children grow and learn, clear vision plays a crucial role in their development. At Coastal VisionCare, we frequently see young patients struggling with nearsightedness, also known as myopia, and we’re here to help families in Palm Bay, Florida and the surrounding areas understand how to manage and even slow its progression.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects are seen clearly. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Myopia typically begins in childhood and can worsen as a child grows.

Undiagnosed or uncorrected myopia can significantly affect a child’s academic performance. Children may struggle to see the whiteboard, experience eye strain or headaches, and have difficulty concentrating. These challenges can lead to frustration, reduced participation in class, and even lower self-confidence.

The Importance of Early Detection

Pediatric eye exams help catch myopia before it begins to interfere with your child’s learning and daily life. Even if your child doesn’t complain about their vision, they may not realize something is wrong. Dr. Brian Harris at Coastal VisionCare recommends scheduling routine comprehensive eye exams starting at an early age and continuing annually.

What Is Myopia Control and Why Is It Essential?

Myopia isn’t just about needing glasses—it’s a progressive condition. High levels of myopia can increase the risk of serious eye health issues later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

Myopia control refers to methods used to slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children. By managing myopia early, we can help reduce the risks of these long-term complications and protect your child’s vision well into adulthood.

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops have become a widely used treatment for slowing the progression of myopia in children. Applied once daily, typically at bedtime, these drops help to relax the eye’s focusing mechanism, which can reduce the stimulus for eye elongation—a key factor in worsening myopia.

Clinical studies have shown that atropine, especially in low concentrations (such as 0.01%), can effectively slow myopia progression with minimal side effects. This non-invasive treatment is ideal for young children and can be used alone or in combination with other myopia management strategies.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K is a safe, non-surgical option that involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. While your child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts. In addition to correcting vision, Ortho-K has been clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia by limiting the eye’s axial growth. It’s especially appealing to active children and teens who prefer not to wear glasses or contacts during the day, offering both visual freedom and long-term eye health benefits.

Supporting Families in Palm Bay and Beyond

At Coastal VisionCare, we’re honored to care for families throughout Palm Bay, Florida, and the surrounding communities. Our mission is to provide compassionate, expert eye care that empowers children to succeed both in the classroom and beyond. Whether you have questions, need help exploring treatment options, or are ready to begin a myopia management plan, Dr. Harris and his team is here to support you every step of the way.

​​​​​​​Schedule a pediatric eye exam with us today and take the first step in protecting your child’s vision for the future.