If your child’s glasses prescription keeps changing every year, it’s normal to feel concerned. Many parents wonder why their child’s vision keeps worsening and if anything can be done to stop it. In many cases, the cause is progressive myopia. 

At Coastal Family Eyecare, we offer myopia management in Orange Beach to slow the progression of progressive myopia. Our customized treatment plans can slow the number of prescription changes for children and protect their future eye health and vision. Continue reading to learn more about progressive myopia and how myopia management can help.  

What is progressive myopia? 

Progressive myopia is a form of nearsightedness that worsens over time, typically starting in early childhood. Children with this condition often need stronger glasses year after year. If left unmanaged, progressive myopia can lead to high myopia. High myopia significantly increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including: 

• Retinal detachment 
• Glaucoma 
• Cataracts 
• Macular degeneration 

How fast does myopia progress? 

Myopia progression for children who are “untreated” (wearing single-vision lenses) is just over -1.0D per year until the age of 12. At twelve, it typically drops to approximately -0.50D. Myopia progresses most rapidly between ages 7 and 10, then typically slows slightly each year afterward.  

Research shows that the earlier a child develops myopia, the faster their distance vision worsens and their prescription increases. Early onset means more years for progression, increasing the risk of developing high myopia. Detecting and managing myopia early can help slow progression and lower the risk of long-term complications. 

How to slow myopia progression 

At Coastal Family Eyecare, we offer two highly effective treatment options for managing myopia in children: 

Ortho-k (orthokeratology) 

Ortho-k lenses are specially shaped contact lenses that your child wears while sleeping. These lenses gently reshape the cornea overnight, so your child can see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts. Ortho-k is not only convenient but has also been clinically proven to slow down myopia progression in children. 

Multifocal contact lenses 

Multifocal contact lenses are worn during the day and help reduce myopia progression by altering how light focuses on the eye. These lenses are comfortable, easy to use, and an excellent option for children who are ready for daytime contact lens wear. 

Supporting your child’s vision at home 

In addition to professional treatment, here are some simple habits that can support your child’s eye health: 

• Encourage at least 1–2 hours of outdoor play each day 
• Limit screen time and encourage frequent breaks from close-up tasks like reading or using tablets 
• Provide a nutritious diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids 
• Schedule regular pediatric eye exams, even if your child hasn’t complained about vision changes 

Myopia management at Coastal Family Eyecare 

The sooner you begin myopia management, the better your child’s chances of maintaining healthy vision and avoiding complications later in life. Our team offers myopia management plans tailored to your child’s vision needs, age, and lifestyle. 

Call Coastal Family Eyecare today or use our online scheduler to book your child’s eye exam.