Can You Slow Down Your Child’s Nearsightedness? Here’s What You Need to Know

More and more children are becoming nearsighted at a young age. Nearsightedness, or myopia, occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing distant objects to appear blurry. While glasses and contacts provide clearer vision, they don’t stop the underlying eye growth. At EyeRis Vision, we offer myopia management in Austin, TX to help your child see clearly today and reduce risks tomorrow.

Why Reducing Myopia Progression Matters

Myopia isn’t just about needing stronger glasses each year. Higher levels of nearsightedness increase the risk of serious, sight-threatening eye conditions later in life, including:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Myopic maculopathy

By slowing the progression early, you’re helping safeguard your child's vision well into adulthood.

What Causes Nearsightedness to Progress?

There are a few common risk factors:

• Genetics: One or both parents with myopia

• Increased screen time and near work

• Limited outdoor play (less sunlight exposure)

• Rapid growth during childhood

Early monitoring and intervention are key. Kids should have comprehensive eye exams starting by age 6 - or sooner if changes are noticed.

Myopia Management Options

Every child’s eyes are different, which is why we provide a personalized care plan using the latest science-based treatments. Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) or Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are custom nighttime contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. In the morning, the lenses are removed, leaving your child with clear vision without daytime glasses or contacts. These lenses can help slow eye growth over time and are great for active kids.

The newest innovation in myopia control, now FDA approved in the United States, Stellest lenses are specially designed glasses that correct vision and use technology called H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspherical Lenslets Target) to help slow the progression of myopia. They are a comfortable, noninvasive option for younger children or those just beginning treatment.

When Should Your Child Start Treatment?

Myopia typically progresses most rapidly between ages 6 and 12, so identifying vision changes early is essential for more effective treatment and better long-term results. If your child is struggling to see the board at school, sitting too close to screens, squinting frequently, or already wearing glasses for distance, it may be time to schedule a myopia management assessment to help protect their vision as they grow.

Schedule Your Child’s Myopia Evaluation in Austin, TX

Taking action early can make a lasting difference in your child’s eye health. With advanced solutions, you can help slow down nearsightedness while giving your child clearer, more comfortable vision every day.

Contact EyeRis Vision to schedule a pediatric eye exam and explore myopia management treatments. Visit our Austin, Texas, office or call (737) 265-2500 to book an appointment today.