Myopia Management for Kids | Blackstone Eye Center

Help slow your child’s nearsightedness—so their vision stays clearer as they grow.

Myopia (nearsightedness) often starts in childhood and can worsen as kids grow. While glasses can make vision clear, myopia management focuses on slowing progression, which may reduce the likelihood of higher prescriptions later and the long-term risks associated with high myopia.

At Blackstone Eye Center, we offer modern, evidence-based myopia control options including:

Essilor® Stellest® lenses (specialty myopia-control eyeglasses)
MiSight® 1 day contact lenses (myopia-control soft daily contacts)
Prescription atropine eye drops (low-dose atropine therapy)

What is Myopia?

Myopia happens when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing distant objects to look blurry. Kids may:

Squint to see the board at school
Sit closer to screens/TV
Complain of headaches or eye strain
Avoid sports or distance activities

Because children’s eyes can change quickly, starting myopia management early can make a big difference.

Why Treat Myopia Progression?

Myopia isn’t just a “stronger glasses” issue. Higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risk of future eye problems. Myopia management is designed to slow how fast myopia progresses during childhood—when it typically changes the most.

Our Myopia Control Options

1) Essilor® Stellest® Lenses (Myopia-Control Glasses)
Stellest lenses are specialty spectacle lenses designed to correct vision and help slow myopia progression. They look like normal glasses, but use an advanced optical design to manage how light focuses in the peripheral retina. The FDA has authorized marketing of Essilor Stellest lenses in the U.S. to slow progression of pediatric myopia based on clinical study data.

Best for: kids who prefer glasses, younger children, or families wanting a non-contact lens option.

2) MiSight® 1 day Contact Lenses (Myopia-Control Contacts)
MiSight 1 day lenses are the first soft contact lenses FDA-approved to slow myopia progression in children (ages 8–12 at the start of treatment).

Best for: active kids, athletes, and families who prefer daily disposable contacts.

3) Prescription Atropine Eye Drops (Low-Dose Therapy)
Low-dose atropine drops are used nightly in many myopia management plans. Concentration and candidacy matter—your doctor will recommend what’s appropriate based on your child’s age, prescription, rate of change, and exam findings.

Important note: Research results vary by concentration and population; for example, U.S. trial data found 0.01% atropine did not slow progression compared with placebo. We use current evidence and tailor treatment to the individual.

Best for: kids who aren’t ready for contacts, or as part of a customized plan.

What to Expect at a Myopia Management Visit

During your child’s evaluation, we’ll typically:

Measure prescription and eye health
Review risk factors (family history, lifestyle, screen/near time, outdoor time)
Discuss options (glasses, contacts, drops—or combinations when appropriate)
Create a plan with follow-ups to track changes over time

Most kids are monitored every 3–6 months depending on age and progression.

Myopia Management Works Best With Healthy Habits

We’ll coach you on everyday steps that support myopia control, including:

More outdoor time when possible
Breaks during near work (reading/tablets)
Good lighting and working distance for homework/screen use

FAQs

How do I know if my child needs myopia management?
If your child’s prescription is increasing each year, or if they’re newly nearsighted at a young age, they may be a strong candidate.

Is myopia management the same as a regular glasses prescription?
No—regular glasses correct vision. Myopia management aims to slow progression, using specific designs (like Stellest), specialty contact lenses (like MiSight), and/or prescription drops.

Can my child do both glasses and drops?
Sometimes. Treatment is individualized based on progression, age, and exam measurements.