Myopia—also called nearsightedness—is more than just a vision quirk. It’s a condition where distant objects appear blurry because the eyeball grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. It often begins in childhood and gets worse over time.
At Blacksburg Eye Associates, we’re seeing more young patients every year come in with signs of progressing myopia. Researchers have found that rates of myopia have surged in the last two decades. Some studies estimate that by 2050, half of the global population will be myopic. And while correcting vision with glasses or contact lenses is easy, letting myopia progress unchecked isn’t just about needing stronger prescriptions—it can mean higher odds of serious eye diseases later in life.
That’s why more parents are turning to myopia control: a science-backed strategy that’s focused on slowing down the progression of myopia in children. It’s not about “curing” myopia—it’s about protecting their future.
Why Slowing Myopia Matters
When children develop myopia early, their eyes have more time to elongate, which increases the risk of long-term eye complications. High myopia can lead to severe vision impairment and even blindness in some cases. Here’s why early myopia management is essential:
- Reduces the risk of serious eye diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
- Slows prescription changes, helping stabilize vision during key developmental years.
- Lessens dependency on corrective eyewear, especially as children grow into teens and adults.
- Protects long-term vision by reducing the likelihood of vision-threatening complications in adulthood.
Treatment Options for Myopia at Blacksburg Eye Associates
At Blacksburg Eye Associates, our goal is to reduce the rate at which your child’s myopia worsens. We offer several evidence-based treatment options for myopia, customized to your child’s vision needs and daily habits.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K lenses are specially designed rigid contacts worn overnight. As your child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the cornea so that in the morning, they can see clearly without glasses or contacts. This option is ideal for active children or those who want freedom from daytime eyewear.
Atropine Eye Drops
These low-dose medicated drops are applied at bedtime and have been shown to slow the progression of myopia significantly. Atropine eye drops don’t interfere with your child’s ability to see during the day and are a simple, non-invasive treatment option.
Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses
Soft multifocal lenses feature multiple prescriptions in a single lens, providing support for both clear vision and reduced eye elongation. Worn during the day, they’re comfortable and effective, making them an excellent fit for children who are already comfortable wearing contact lenses.
Give Your Child a Clearer Future with Myopia Management in Blacksburg, VA
We believe myopia control is an investment in your child’s long-term vision health. At Blacksburg Eye Associates, our eye doctors will begin with a thorough eye exam to determine how quickly your child’s myopia is progressing. From there, we’ll discuss lifestyle factors and select a treatment option that best suits your family's needs.
Every treatment plan includes ongoing monitoring, prescription tracking, and adjustments as needed. We’ll walk you through every step so you’re never left wondering what’s next. Book your myopia consultation at our Blacksburg office.