Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common eye condition—often caused by an eye that is slightly too long—which results in blurry distance vision while near objects remain clear. While glasses or contacts are typically prescribed to correct current vision, the good news is that our eye doctors specialize in Myopia Management programs designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness, especially when treatment begins early in childhood.
The dedicated myopia management specialists at Ashburn Vision Source utilize advanced, exclusive equipment and unparalleled training to combat nearsightedness progression, safeguarding your family's vision future.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is rapidly becoming a global health epidemic, especially among children. This increase in nearsightedness is often attributed to modern lifestyle factors, including more prolonged screen time, heavy demands of close-up work (like reading and homework), and less time spent outdoors.
Addressing your child’s nearsightedness requires more than just clear correction—it demands proactive management to protect their future eye health. That is why we are proud to offer the revolutionary Essilor® Stellest® Lenses.
This groundbreaking innovation is the first and only spectacle lens (eyeglasses) to receive FDA market authorization to actively slow the progression of myopia in children. The power of Stellest® lies in its dual-purpose, complementary design. While the central zone provides your child with sharp, comfortable vision using their standard prescription, the surrounding lens is engineered with Essilor's proprietary H.A.L.T. technology. This advanced optical structure works to control the way light enters the peripheral retina, a key signal that typically causes the eye to lengthen and myopia to worsen. Clinical results demonstrate that Stellest® lenses slowed myopia progression by an average of 71%.
Low-dose atropine eye drops are a highly effective treatment for managing myopia because they work by directly slowing down the physical lengthening of the eyeball, which is the main cause of worsening nearsightedness. Used in a very low concentration, these drops signal the eye to reduce its growth, preventing the rapid progression of myopia without causing the significant side effects of pupil dilation or near-focus loss often associated with higher-dose versions.
Soft multifocal contact lenses are an effective myopia treatment because they serve two purposes: they correct blurry distance vision by providing clear sight through the center of the lens, and, critically, they use special optics in the outer zones to slow the eye's growth.
This peripheral design sends a signal to the eye to reduce its lengthening, which is the root cause of worsening nearsightedness, ultimately helping to control myopia progression. Studies show children wearing these lenses experience about 25% less myopia progression than those wearing standard contacts or glasses.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) is an effective myopia treatment because it uses specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily and gently reshape the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. This reshaping corrects the central vision, providing clear sight during the day without glasses or contacts. Crucially, the change in the cornea's curvature also alters how light focuses on the peripheral retina (the sides of the back of the eye). This altered peripheral focus signals the eye to slow down its abnormal lengthening—the physical process that causes myopia to worsen—thereby successfully managing the progression of nearsightedness, particularly in children.
Not anymore. While glasses or contacts can correct the blurry vision caused by myopia (nearsightedness), they do not stop the eye from continuing to lengthen. Because high levels of myopia can significantly increase the risk of serious adult eye diseases like glaucoma and retinal detachment, we treat it as a medical condition that needs to be managed, not just corrected.
Yes. The four primary treatment options—Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), multifocal contact lenses, low-dose atropine drops, and Stellest® lenses—have been extensively studied and proven safe for children. We use custom-fitted devices and carefully monitored dosages, and we will only recommend the option that is safest and most effective for your child's specific needs.
We are dedicated to the lifelong eye health of your child and family. At Ashburn Vision Source, we utilize the latest diagnostic technology to ensure your child receives the most precise and effective Myopia Management treatment possible. Whether you have questions about the epidemic or are ready to begin treatment, don't wait—early intervention is key.
Schedule a comprehensive eye examination to discuss the option of myopia management during your child’s visit.
