Myopia is affecting more children today than ever before. While glasses or contact lenses can improve vision, they do not address the underlying progression of myopia. At Eye Care Associates of Princeton, we offer proactive myopia management solutions designed to slow progression and help protect your child’s vision for years to come.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error that occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or when the cornea is too steep. As a result, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing distant objects to appear blurry while near vision remains clear. Myopia often begins in childhood and can worsen as the eyes continue to grow.

Why Is Myopia So Common?

The rise in myopia is linked to a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. Children with one or both parents who are nearsighted have a higher risk of developing myopia. Environmental influences also play a major role, including increased screen time, prolonged near work such as reading or digital device use, and reduced time spent outdoors. These factors place added visual demands on developing eyes, contributing to the rapid increase in childhood myopia.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Myopia

Myopia can be difficult for children to recognize or communicate. Common signs may include squinting to see distant objects, sitting too close to the television, holding books or devices very close, frequent headaches, eye strain, or complaints of blurry distance vision. Declining school performance can also be a subtle sign that vision problems are present.

Routine pediatric eye exams are essential for early detection and ongoing monitoring of myopia. Identifying myopia early allows eye doctors to track changes in prescription and eye growth over time. Our eye doctors in Princeton use advanced diagnostic technology to precisely measure eye length and visual development, enabling personalized treatment plans that focus on slowing progression. Regular exams help ensure timely adjustments to treatment and better long-term outcomes.

What Is Myopia Management and Why Is It Important?

Myopia management goes beyond standard glasses or contacts by actively working to slow the progression of nearsightedness. This is important because higher levels of myopia significantly increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration. Slowing myopia progression during childhood can reduce these risks and support healthier vision into adulthood.

We offers several myopia management treatments in Princeton tailored to each child’s needs:

Essilor Stellest™ Lenses: These specially designed eyeglass lenses look like regular glasses but incorporate advanced lens technology to help slow myopia progression while providing clear vision throughout the day.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K uses custom-designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. In the morning, the lenses are removed, allowing children to see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts, while also helping to slow myopia progression.
MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses: MiSight 1 Day lenses are FDA-approved soft contact lenses designed specifically for myopia management in children. They correct vision while simultaneously reducing the progression of myopia through specialized optical zones.
Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops are a safe and effective treatment option shown to slow myopia progression in children. The drops are typically used once daily and can be used alone or in combination with other myopia management strategies.

Schedule a Myopia Management Consultation in Princeton Today

Serving Princeton and the surrounding areas, our doctors help families take a proactive approach to myopia. Early detection, routine pediatric eye exams, and personalized myopia management treatments can slow myopia progression and reduce the risk of future eye health complications.

Contact Eye Care Associates of Princeton to schedule a pediatric eye exam and learn more about our customized myopia management solutions.