Children's Vision
Myopia Management
Nearsightedness in children is more than a stronger prescription each year — it's a lifelong risk to eye health. Our myopia management program uses proven methods to slow progression and protect your child's vision for years to come.
Early Intervention · Proven Methods · Personalized Care
What Is Myopia?
A Growing Concern
Myopia, or nearsightedness, occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back. Images then focus in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurred. In the 1970s, about 25% of Americans were myopic — today it's more than 40%, and projected to reach 52% by 2050.
The good news: we now have proven methods to slow this progression. Call us at (818) 841-1212 or use the form to get started.
For Children & Teens
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Why It Happens
What Drives Myopia
Genetics
The chances of children developing myopia are greater if one or both parents are nearsighted. Family history is one of the strongest predictors.
Lifestyle & Screens
Prolonged time on digital devices and reading, combined with poor lighting, places sustained strain on developing eyes and increases risk.
Too Little Time Outdoors
Insufficient time outdoors is strongly linked to myopia onset and progression. Natural daylight plays a protective role in healthy eye development.
Why Early Action Matters
The Long-Term Risks of High Myopia
Myopia isn't just about thicker glasses. The higher a child's prescription climbs, the greater their lifelong risk of serious, vision-threatening conditions — which is why slowing progression early is so important.
Retinal Detachment
The risk is dependent on severity but can be 3–20× greater than someone without myopia.
Glaucoma
Myopic patients are at 2–3× greater risk for developing glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss.
Cataracts
Myopic patients have a 2–5× greater risk of developing cataracts, often earlier than those without myopia.
Myopic Macular Degeneration
High myopia can cause vision loss in the center of vision (the macula), affecting detailed and central sight.
How We Manage It
Proven Treatment Methods
Research shows that creating "peripheral myopic defocus" reduces the signal telling the eye to keep elongating. Standard glasses alone can't do this — so we tailor one of these evidence-based approaches to your child.
Low-Dose Atropine Drops
A nightly eye drop, widely studied and proven to slow the progression of myopia. In low doses it doesn't cause significant blurred vision or light sensitivity — making it an excellent first treatment for young children, alone or alongside other options.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Custom gas-permeable lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight, so your child enjoys clear vision all day with no glasses or contacts. A well-studied option, best suited for children over 7 with low to moderate myopia.
Dual-Focus Contact Lenses
MiSight 1 day is the first FDA-approved contact lens proven to slow myopia progression in children. Its alternating correction and treatment zones create the myopic defocus that helps slow eye elongation — ideal for ages 7 and up.
Everyday Habits
Helping at Home
Alongside in-office treatment, small daily habits make a real difference in protecting your child's developing eyes. We'll coach your family on simple, sustainable changes that support healthier vision.
- Reduce extended near work where possible
- Increase time spent outdoors in daylight
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Maintain good lighting during reading and screen time
Your Care Team
Protecting young eyes, together
Our optometric team has dedicated experience in children's vision and myopia management. We take the time to evaluate your child's eyes, explain every option in plain language, and help your family choose the right path forward.
Don't wait for the next prescription increase. Early intervention is the most powerful tool we have — and we're here to guide you through every step.
Common Questions
Myopia Q&A
Don't Wait for the Next Increase
Protect your child's vision
Schedule a myopia management consultation at Toluca Lake Optometric Center. We'll evaluate your child's eyes, explain your options, and help you choose the right path forward.
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