Myopia is becoming increasingly common among children and adolescents. At Palo Alto Eyes Optometry, we’re passionate about protecting your child’s vision and helping families throughout Palo Alto and surrounding areas understand the importance of early detection and effective myopia management.
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Understanding Myopia

Myopia is a vision condition in which distant objects appear blurry, while close-up objects remain clear. It occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or when the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia typically develops during childhood and often progresses as the child grows.

Children with uncorrected or rapidly progressing myopia may struggle to see the whiteboard, presentations, or distant signs. This can lead to reduced participation in class, frustration, headaches, and even declining academic performance. Myopia can also limit participation in sports and other activities that require sharp distance vision.

The Importance of Early Detection

Routine pediatric eye exams are essential for early detection and management of myopia. Many children don’t realize they have a vision problem, and parents may not notice the signs until it begins to impact schoolwork or behavior. At Palo Alto Eyes Optometry, we recommend scheduling annual comprehensive eye exams to monitor changes in vision and eye health, especially if there's a family history of nearsightedness.

What Is Myopia Control?

Myopia control refers to treatments aimed at slowing the progression of myopia in children and teens. Without intervention, myopia often continues to worsen through adolescence, increasing the risk of serious eye health issues later in life. High myopia is linked to conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy. By taking steps to slow myopia progression early, we can help protect your child’s long-term eye health and reduce their future dependence on corrective lenses.

Effective Myopia Progression Control Strategies

At Palo Alto Eyes Optometry, we offer several evidence-based strategies to manage myopia progression:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): These specially designed overnight contact lenses reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, providing clear vision during the day and slowing the progression of myopia.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops are used nightly to slow eye growth and myopia progression. This non-invasive option is well-tolerated and effective for many children.

• Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: These daytime lenses feature multiple zones of focus, helping to reduce the stimulus for the eye to elongate. They offer both vision correction and myopia control.
  
  

Our optometrist will work with you and your child to determine the best approach based on age, lifestyle, and the degree of myopia.

Supporting Families in Palo Alto and Beyond

We understand that managing your child’s eye health can feel overwhelming, especially with the increasing demands of school and screen time. We’re committed to helping families in Palo Alto, Mountain View, Menlo Park, and neighboring communities with personalized care, clear communication, and ongoing education about myopia control options.

Schedule a comprehensive pediatric eye exam at Palo Alto Eyes Optometry today and let’s build a healthier visual future for your child.