Myopia Management

As more children spend time on digital devices and less time outdoors, the rate of myopia (nearsightedness) is steadily rising. At Mission Optometric Center, we are committed to helping families in San Juan Capistrano and surrounding communities protect their children’s vision through early detection and proven myopia management strategies.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia is a common refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or the cornea is too curved, preventing light from focusing correctly on the retina.

Clear vision is essential for reading the board, seeing presentations, participating in sports, and engaging with peers. When a child struggles to see clearly at a distance, it can affect their confidence, classroom participation, and academic performance. Uncorrected myopia may also lead to eye strain and headaches, making it harder to focus and learn.

The Importance of Early Detection

Many children don’t realize they have a vision problem and may not voice any concerns. A thorough evaluation during regular pediatric eye exams allows our team at Mission Optometric Center to detect vision changes early and begin treatment before myopia worsens.

An eye exam includes a comprehensive assessment of your child’s visual acuity, eye alignment, and refractive error. These tests help us determine if myopia is present, how advanced it is, and whether intervention is necessary to slow its progression.

What Is Myopia Management and Why Is It Important?

Myopia management goes beyond simply correcting vision. It focuses on slowing the progression of myopia to reduce the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life. Children with progressive myopia are more likely to face complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and myopic maculopathy as they grow older. By addressing myopia early, we help protect your child’s long-term vision and overall eye health.

At Mission Optometric Center, we provide evidence-based myopia control options tailored to each child’s age, lifestyle, and the severity of their nearsightedness.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology involves specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight. While your child sleeps, these lenses gently reshape the cornea, allowing for clear, unaided vision during the day. Ortho-K is a great option for active children who prefer not to wear glasses or daytime contact lenses.

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are a safe and effective method for slowing the progression of myopia in children. Applied once daily, these drops help to relax the eye’s focusing mechanism and reduce excessive eye growth without significantly affecting near vision.

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses, such as MiSight lenses, are designed to correct vision while also slowing the elongation of the eye that leads to worsening myopia. These lenses are worn during the day and can be a comfortable, convenient choice for older children who are ready for contact lenses.

Supporting Families in San Juan Capistrano and Beyond

With early detection and customized myopia management, we can help your child thrive academically and see clearly for years to come. Our team at Mission Optometric Center is proud to support families across San Juan Capistrano and the surrounding communities. We take the time to educate parents, involve children in their care, and provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for every visit.

Schedule your child’s eye exam today at Mission Optometric Center and take the first step toward a lifetime of healthy vision with early detection and personalized myopia management treatment.