Myopia Management In White Plains, NY

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming more common in children and teens. At Westchester Eyes, myopia management focuses on slowing the progression of nearsightedness and helping protect your child’s long-term eye health.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a vision condition that causes distant objects to look blurry while close-up objects remain clearer. It often begins during childhood and can worsen as the eyes grow. Myopia has become more common due to a combination of genetics, increased screen use, more near work, and less time spent outdoors. Children with one or both nearsighted parents are at a higher risk, but lifestyle habits can also play a role.

Recognizing The Signs And Symptoms

Children do not always know how to explain vision changes, so parents may notice signs before their child complains. Common symptoms of myopia can include:

• Squinting to see objects in the distance

• Sitting close to the TV or holding devices very close

• Trouble seeing the board at school

• Frequent headaches or eye strain

• Rubbing the eyes often

• Avoiding sports or activities that require clear distance vision

​​​​​​​If you notice these symptoms, a pediatric eye exam can help determine whether myopia is present and how quickly it may be progressing.

The Importance Of Regular Pediatric Eye Exams

Regular pediatric eye exams are essential for early detection and monitoring myopia progression. A school vision screening may catch some vision problems, but it does not replace a comprehensive eye exam. At Westchester Eyes, advanced technology helps evaluate your child’s vision, eye health, and changes over time.

​​​​​​​Early monitoring allows the eye doctor to see whether your child’s prescription is changing quickly and whether myopia management may be appropriate. This is important because higher levels of myopia can increase the risk of certain eye conditions later in life, including retinal problems, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy.

What Is Myopia Management?

Myopia management is a proactive approach designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. Instead of only updating glasses as the prescription worsens, myopia management focuses on helping control eye growth and reduce long-term risks.

​​​​​​​Early treatment can support clearer vision now while helping protect eye health in the future. The right option depends on your child’s age, prescription, lifestyle, eye health, and how quickly their myopia is progressing.

Myopia Management Strategies

Westchester Eyes may recommend different myopia management options based on your child’s needs. Essilor Stellest Lenses are specialty eyeglass lenses designed to help slow myopia progression while providing clear vision. Ortho-K uses specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, allowing clear daytime vision without glasses or daytime contacts.

MiSight 1 day contact lenses are daily disposable soft lenses created specifically for myopia control in children. Low-dose atropine eye drops may also be used to help slow progression in some cases. During your child’s exam, our team will review the best options and explain what to expect with each approach.

​​​​​​​Schedule your child’s myopia management consultation with Westchester Eyes. Contact the location most convenient for you: Yonkers at (914) 586-EYES (3937), White Plains - North at (914) 487-0025, or White Plains - South at (914) 946-4100.