Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the fastest-growing vision issues in children today. If your child struggles to see the board at school or constantly squints to view distant objects, myopia may be the cause. The good news? There are now safe and effective ways to slow its progression.
At our clinic in Hamilton, MT, Dr. Wilkins, Dr. Beyer, Dr. Mitman and Dr. Qualls offer specialized myopia control services designed to protect your child’s long-term vision. Whether your child has just been diagnosed or you’re looking for expert care options, this guide explains what every parent needs to know.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia is a condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. In children, this often worsens with age, especially during school years when their eyes are rapidly developing.
Common signs of myopia in kids include:
- Sitting too close to TVs or screens
- Complaining of blurry distance vision
- Frequent eye rubbing or squinting
- Headaches or trouble concentrating in class
If left unmanaged, myopia can lead to higher prescriptions and increased risk of serious eye diseases later in life.
How We Treat Myopia in Children
Dr. Wilkins, Dr. Beyer, Dr. Mitman and Dr. Qualls offer several treatment options to slow the progression of myopia, customized to your child’s age, maturity, and prescription type. Here's what’s available at our Hamilton eye clinic:
1. Prescription Glasses
Most children begin with corrective glasses to improve distance vision. This is a simple, non-invasive starting point.
2. CRT (Corneal Reshaping Therapy) Lenses
Also known as orthokeratology, CRT lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. This allows your child to see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts.
- Recommended for children age 8 and older
- Best for specific prescriptions
- Not ideal for all astigmatism cases
3. MiSight® Soft Contact Lenses
MiSight lenses are FDA-approved soft contacts worn during the day. Clinical studies show they can significantly reduce myopia progression in children.
- Comfortable daily wear
- Safe for younger users with appropriate supervision
- Effective for a wide range of prescriptions
4. Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
For children who may not tolerate contact lenses or who have astigmatism; low-dose atropine drops offer a strong alternative.
- Easy to apply at bedtime
- Shown to slow myopia progression
- Often used in combination with other treatments
How Often Should Myopic Children Be Seen?
After starting treatment, we typically recommend a check-up every 6 to 12 months, depending on progress and symptom changes. Regular visits allow us to adjust the treatment plan and ensure your child is on track.
Is Myopia Treatment Covered by Insurance?
Most insurance plans do not cover myopia management programs, including CRT, MiSight lenses, or atropine therapy. However, our clinic offers affordable self-pay options and savings plans to help families manage the cost.
Why Myopia Control Matters
Slowing your child’s myopia now means:
- Lower lifetime prescriptions
- Reduced risk of retinal detachment and glaucoma
- Better performance in school and sports
- More long-term eye health and independence
Early treatment leads to better results. That’s why we encourage parents in Hamilton and surrounding communities to act early and schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: At what age can my child start myopia treatment?
A: Children as young as 8 years old may begin treatment, depending on their maturity and prescription.
Q: Are these treatments safe?
A: Yes. All myopia control options used by Dr. Wilkins are safe, clinically tested, and widely used in pediatric optometry.
Q: Do contact lenses hurt?
A: No. CRT lenses are worn while sleeping, and MiSight lenses are soft and designed for daily comfort.
Q: Can my child stop wearing glasses entirely?
A: In some cases, yes – especially with CRT lenses. However, this depends on the prescription and treatment plan.
Book a Myopia Evaluation in Hamilton Today
If you’re concerned about your child’s vision or want to explore long-term solutions for myopia, contact our clinic in Hamilton. Dr. Wilkins, Dr. Beyer, Dr. Mitman and Dr. Qualls are here to provide expert guidance and compassionate care every step of the way.