Myopia is one of the most common vision conditions in children today. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea becomes too curved, causing distant objects to appear blurry. With increasing screen time and reduced outdoor activities, myopia is being diagnosed in children earlier than ever before. Fortunately, there are proven methods for slowing its progression and protecting long-term vision.

If you’re a parent searching for an eye doctor in Seattle who specializes in pediatric eye exams in Madison, understanding the available myopia management in Madison options can help you make the right choice for your child’s vision health.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Ortho-K lenses are specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight. While your child sleeps, these lenses gently reshape the cornea, temporarily correcting vision so that glasses or contacts aren’t needed during the day.

Beyond providing clear vision, Ortho-K has been clinically proven to slow down myopia progression by controlling how light focuses on the retina. This makes it a great option for active children or those not ready for daytime contact lenses.

Dual Focus Soft Contact Lenses

Dual focus contact lenses, also known as multifocal or myopia control soft lenses, are worn during the day. These lenses have specialized zones that correct vision and defocus peripheral light in a way that reduces the eye’s tendency to grow longer.

Research has shown that children who use dual focus contact lenses experience slower myopia progression compared to those wearing standard lenses. These lenses are comfortable and easy to adapt to, making them an excellent choice for many kids.

Atropine Eye Drops

Low-dose atropine eye drops are another effective treatment for controlling myopia progression. When used nightly, these drops relax the eye’s focusing mechanism, helping slow the elongation of the eyeball that leads to worsening nearsightedness.

This treatment is ideal for children who may not be ready for contact lenses or who prefer a non-lens-based approach. The eye doctor monitors dosage and progress to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Lifestyle Recommendations

While clinical treatments are key, lifestyle habits also play a major role in myopia management. Encourage your child to:

•           Spend more time outdoors - at least 90 minutes daily.

•           Follow the 20-20-20 rule during screen time (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).

•           Maintain proper lighting and posture when reading or using digital devices.

These simple changes can reduce eye strain and complement medical treatment.

Get Expert Myopia Management Care in Madison

Early detection and customized treatment make a significant difference in slowing its progression. Whether through Ortho-K lenses, dual focus soft contacts, or atropine eye drops, the right plan will depend on your child’s age, lifestyle, and degree of myopia. Our eye doctor in Seattle offers comprehensive pediatric eye exams to evaluate your child’s vision and recommend the most effective myopia management in Madison.
 

Schedule your child’s eye exam at Optometry Medical Group to learn more about personalized myopia management options. Visit our offices in Seattle, Washington, call (206) 322-6915 for our Rainier office, or call (206) 395-2285 for our Madison office.