Silicon Valley Eye PhysiciansLeaders in Orthokeratology and Myopia Management
Understanding Myopia in Children
Myopia, or nearsightedness, means children can see up close but struggle with distance vision, such as reading the classroom board or recognizing street signs. It typically develops during childhood as the eyes grow rapidly and often progresses most between ages 8–18. Beyond the need for stronger glasses, unchecked myopia raises the risk of serious eye conditions later in life.
In Sunnyvale and across Silicon Valley, more children are being diagnosed each year, partly due to increased screen time and reduced outdoor play. If your child is squinting, sitting too close to screens, or complaining of blurry distance vision, it may be time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our myopia control doctors in Sunnyvale.
Myopia Management in Sunnyvale and Treating the Causes of Myopia
Myopia (nearsightedness) is a growing global concern, with half the world’s population projected to be affected by 2050. Since myopia increases the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, early management with eye drops, custom contact lenses, or multifocal glasses can help slow its often rapid progression in children.
Myopia and Lifestyle: Screens & Outdoor Time
Did you know children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop high myopia? Meanwhile, long hours on digital devices have been linked to worsening nearsightedness.
Encourage your child to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Add in at least an hour of outdoor play daily to help protect their vision.
Ask our Sunnyvale optometrists for personalized screen-time and eye-health tips during your child’s exam.
Treatments Used in Myopia Management
Myopia management isn’t just about correcting blurry vision—it’s about using treatments that slow its progression to protect long‑term eye health. The options include orthokeratology (night‑worn custom lenses that reshape the cornea), low‑dose atropine eye drops, and multifocal contact lenses.
The best treatment for a child depends on factors like age, prescription strength, lifestyle, and how well they can care for lenses. Starting early, even when myopia is still mild, offers greater chance to slow progression and reduce risks later.
Ortho-K (Orthokeratology) Lenses
Ortho-k lenses are custom-fitted contact lenses worn overnight that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. In the morning, the lenses are removed, leaving clear vision all day without glasses or daytime contacts.
This is a great option for active children and teens who want freedom from glasses during sports, dance, or other activities. Parents searching for “ortho-k for kids in Sunnyvale” will find this safe and proven treatment available right here in the South Bay.
Atropine Drops
At Silicon Valley Eye Physicians, besides glasses or contacts, one of the key additional treatments offered is atropine therapy—using low‑dose medicated eye drops to slow down how fast a child’s myopia worsens. These drops are usually given at bedtime and can be used alone or together with other treatments like orthokeratology or multifocal lenses.
While these drops don’t correct vision overnight, studies show they can significantly reduce myopia progression, especially when started early.
NaturalVue Multifocal Lenses
NaturalVue Multifocal contact lenses are another option to help slow myopia progression in children. These lenses provide clear vision both in the center and periphery of the visual field. Clinical studies show that children using these lenses experience much smaller increases in nearsightedness compared to kids wearing regular single‑vision lenses.
NaturalVue aims to be comfortable, effective, and a way to reduce long‑term risk of serious eye disease by managing myopia before it becomes severe.
Stellest™ Lenses
Stellest™ lenses are a next‑generation spectacle lens designed specifically for children with nearsightedness. Unlike regular glasses that simply correct blurred vision, Stellest™ lenses work to slow down how quickly myopia progresses over time.
These lenses look and feel just like ordinary glasses, so kids adapt to them easily, but inside each lens is advanced technology that gently helps control eye growth, the main cause of worsening myopia.
Common Questions about Myopia Management
At what age should my child be checked for myopia?
Children should have their first eye exam before starting school and continue with annual exams. Myopia can develop as early as age 5.
How Quickly Will I Notice Atropine Therapy Results?
Atropine therapy can take up to 6 months to show a significant impact. Doctors usually recommend checkups twice a year to ensure that the patient is experiencing no adverse side effects and that atropine therapy is effectively slowing down myopia development.
Can too much screen time cause nearsightedness?
While screens don’t directly cause myopia, studies show long hours indoors on devices can contribute to progression. Outdoor time helps balance this.
Are Atropine Drops safe for kids to use every night?
Low-dose atropine has been studied extensively and is considered safe for children when prescribed and monitored by an eye doctor. Most kids tolerate the drops well with very few side effects, making it a reliable option for long-term myopia control.
How is ortho-k different from glasses or contacts?
Glasses and daytime contacts correct vision but don’t slow progression. Ortho-k lenses reshape the cornea overnight and can reduce myopia progression over time.
Does Atropine Therapy Hurt?
Atropine therapy is a painless process, as it simply involves administering medicated eye drops to the patient. As the drops are administered to the eyes, try to avoid excessive blinking so that they are absorbed properly for the most effective results.
Take the First Step in Protecting Your Child’s Vision
Myopia management is more effective the earlier it begins. Don’t wait for your child’s prescription to get stronger year after year.
Book a myopia management consultation with our Sunnyvale optometrists today and give your child clear vision for the future.
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