Myopia Treatment Options Explained Simply

For many parents in Southwest Edmonton, a trip to the eye doctor used to mean simply picking out a new pair of frames every year. However, as the rates of nearsightedness rise, Ambleside Family Optometry is helping families move toward a more proactive approach. Today, there are several myopia treatment options available that do more than just clear up blurry vision, they actually work to slow down the progression of the condition. At Ambleside Family Optometry, we believe that understanding these options simply and clearly is the first step toward protecting your child’s long-term eye health.

Beyond Standard Glasses: Why Treatment Matters

When a child is nearsighted (myopic), their eye grows longer than it should. Standard glasses correct the vision so they can see the board at school, but they don’t signal the eye to stop growing. This is why the team at Ambleside Family Optometry emphasizes specialized treatments. By slowing that growth now, Ambleside Family Optometry helps reduce the risk of serious eye diseases, like retinal detachment or glaucoma, later in life.

Ambleside Family Optometry provides clear education and guidance so families can make informed decisions about which of the following treatments best fits their child’s lifestyle.

Specialty Contact Lenses: MiSight 1 Day

One of the most popular options at Ambleside Family Optometry is the MiSight 1 day contact lens. These are soft, daily disposable lenses specifically designed for children as young as eight years old.

• How they work: These lenses have a special optical design that corrects distance vision while simultaneously “tricking” the eye into slowing its growth.
• The Benefit: Since they are daily disposables, they are hygienic and easy for kids to manage. The doctors at Ambleside Family Optometry often recommend these for active Edmonton students who play sports or find glasses cumbersome.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a unique treatment offered at Ambleside Family Optometry that works while your child sleeps.

• How it works: Your child wears specially designed therapeutic hard lenses overnight. These lenses gently and temporarily reshape the surface of the eye (the cornea).
• The Benefit: In the morning, the lenses are removed, and the child can see clearly all day without wearing any glasses or contacts. For parents visiting Ambleside Family Optometry whose children are swimmers or high-energy athletes, Ortho-K is often a game-changer. It effectively manages myopia progression while providing total freedom during waking hours.

Atropine Eye Drops

For some children, the best path forward at Ambleside Family Optometry doesn’t involve contact lenses at all. Low-dose atropine eye drops are an effective, non-invasive alternative. 

• How they work: A small, medicated drop is placed in each eye at bedtime. Research has shown that even at very low concentrations, atropine can significantly slow down the lengthening of the eye.
• The Benefit: It is simple to incorporate into a nightly routine. The optometrists at Ambleside Family Optometry may recommend this for younger children who aren’t quite ready for the responsibility of contact lenses but still need active myopia control.

Specialty Myopia Glasses

If your child prefers glasses, Ambleside Family Optometry provides advanced lens technologies like MiYOSMART or Stellest. Unlike the glasses of the past, these lenses use “peripheral defocus” to slow down eye growth while providing crisp, clear vision for schoolwork and play. This is often the first line of defense for families at Ambleside Family Optometry who want a familiar, easy-to-use solution.

Finding the Right Fit at Ambleside Family Optometry

Each myopia treatment option has unique benefits and considerations. Factors such as your child’s age, maturity level, extracurricular activities, and the current rate of their myopia progression all play a role in the decision-making process.

Ambleside Family Optometry takes a personalized approach to every patient. A comprehensive eye exam at our clinic helps determine which approach best fits your child’s specific needs. We don’t just hand you a prescription; we partner with you to monitor your child’s progress over months and years.

Scheduling a consultation with a South Edmonton optometrist at Ambleside Family Optometry allows you to explore these options confidently. Our mission at Ambleside Family Optometry is to ensure your child sees clearly today while keeping their eyes healthy for all their tomorrows. Book your appointment today to get started.

FAQ

Is myopia management safe for young children?

Yes, all the treatments provided at Ambleside Family Optometry—including Ortho-K, MiSight, and atropine drops—have been extensively researched and are considered safe for children when supervised by an eye care professional.

How do we know if the treatment is working at Ambleside Family Optometry?

The team at Ambleside Family Optometry uses specialized equipment to measure the “axial length” (the actual length of the eye) during follow-up visits. This allows us to track exactly how well the treatment is slowing down the eye’s growth compared to traditional methods.

Can my child switch between different treatments?

Absolutely. As your child grows and their lifestyle changes, the doctors at Ambleside Family Optometry can adjust the treatment plan. A child might start with atropine drops and move to Ortho-K lenses as they become more responsible.

How long does my child need to stay in a myopia management program?

Typically, the experts at Ambleside Family Optometry recommend continuing treatment until the eye stops growing, which usually occurs in the late teens or early twenties. We will monitor your child’s progress and advise when it is safe to transition to standard vision correction.