It’s tempting to think of nearsightedness as just a need for glasses. But for many Vancouver families, myopia is more than a quick fix. It’s a growing concern about their child’s future eye health. More screen time, less outdoor play, and the rise of indoor-focused lifestyles are fueling myopia rates across the region.
Here in Vancouver, where school success and tech-savvy homes are the norm, parents are noticing their children’s vision changing earlier and more rapidly than ever before. If your child is squinting, sitting too close to the TV, or struggling to see the whiteboard at school, it could be more than a simple prescription issue.
That’s where myopia control management comes in. These treatments go beyond correcting vision. They actively work to slow down how fast your child’s eyesight worsens. That can mean a lower risk of sight-threatening conditions like retinal detachment or glaucoma later in life.
What Is Myopia Management?
Myopia control management is a proactive approach that helps slow down the progression of nearsightedness (myopia), especially in children and teens. It uses specially designed myopia control treatments to keep the condition from worsening over time.
Here’s why this matters: the higher a child’s myopia becomes, the more at risk they are for serious eye problems in adulthood. Controlling myopia early helps preserve long-term vision.
Common signs of progressive myopia in children:
- Squinting to see distant objects
- Holding screens or books very close
- Frequent prescription changes
- Complaints of blurry vision
- Headaches or eye strain, especially after school
While glasses and regular contact lenses correct blurry vision, they don’t slow the progression of myopia. That’s why we offer myopia control treatments at Shaughnessy Optometry tailored to each child’s eyes and lifestyle.
Myopia Control Treatments at Shaughnessy Optometry
At Shaughnessy Optometry, we use several clinically proven options to slow myopia progression. The right approach depends on your child’s age, lifestyle, and how quickly their prescription is changing. Here’s a closer look at the most effective myopia control treatments available to patients in Vancouver.
MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses
MiSight® soft, daily disposable lenses are the first FDA-approved contact lenses for myopia control in children. They work by using a special optical design that not only corrects vision but also signals the eye to slow down its growth.
Why it’s a great fit for Vancouver families:
MiSight® is especially helpful for active children who participate in sports or outdoor activities and prefer to go glasses-free during the day.
MiyoSmart® Spectacle Lenses
For children who prefer glasses or aren’t quite ready for contact lenses, MiyoSmart lenses offer an excellent alternative. These lenses use Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) technology to slow the progression of myopia while correcting distance vision.
Why parents like them:
They look just like regular glasses but have built-in treatment benefits. Plus, they’re durable and easy to wear for younger children.
Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine therapy is a drop-based treatment that’s used nightly before bed. It doesn’t correct vision like glasses or contacts, but it can slow down the lengthening of the eye, which is the leading cause of worsening myopia.
Ideal for:
Children who are just beginning to show signs of rapidly progressing myopia or who are not candidates for lens-based treatments.
ortho-k (Orthokeratology)
ortho-k lenses are worn overnight and gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. In the morning, the lenses are removed, and your child can see clearly without glasses or contacts throughout the day.
Perfect for:
Active kids or teens who swim, play sports, or don’t want to wear lenses during the day. ortho-k also offers the bonus of freedom from eyewear during school and activities.
Lifestyle & Screen-Time Counseling
Myopia isn’t just genetic. Environmental factors like digital device use, low outdoor time, and poor posture play a role. We provide guidance on how to reduce screen-related eye strain and encourage habits that support healthy vision.
Examples of our support:
- Outdoor time goals (at least 90 minutes per day)
- Ergonomic study setups
- Blue light filter recommendations
Combination Treatment Plans
In some cases, combining therapies (like atropine with MiSight lenses) can be more effective than a single approach. Our eye doctors carefully track prescription changes to adjust the plan as your child grows.
Why it works:
Tailored treatment plans allow us to adapt as your child’s eyes change, helping to achieve the best possible long-term outcomes.
Why Controlling Myopia Matters in Vancouver, BC
Rising myopia rates aren’t just a global trend. They’re happening right here in Vancouver. Urban environments often see higher levels of myopia due to a combination of indoor lifestyles, increased screen time, and high academic demands on children. Combine that with rainy seasons, which reduce outdoor play, and it’s easy to see why parents are looking for long-term solutions.
Controlling myopia early is key to protecting long-term eye health. Without intervention, myopia can progress rapidly in childhood, leading to high myopia — a condition that significantly increases the risk of:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Early cataracts
- Myopic macular degeneration
Help Your Child See a Clearer Future in Vancouver, BC
You don’t need to wait for your child’s prescription to get worse. If you’re noticing signs of myopia or just want to explore proactive care, we’re here to help.
At Shaughnessy Optometry, our myopia control experts provide thoughtful, personalized care based on your child’s needs and your family’s routine. Book an eye care appointment and we’ll explain all your options, so you feel confident in your child’s care plan.
Myopia Control Management FAQs
At what age should my child start myopia control treatments?
Children as young as 6 years old may benefit from myopia control if they show early signs of myopia. The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is at slowing progression.
Can my child wear MiSight lenses every day?
Yes. MiSight lenses are designed for daily use and are safe for children with proper handling and hygiene. Our eye doctors will guide you and your child through safe application and removal.
Is myopia control only for children?
While it’s most effective during childhood and adolescence, some myopia treatments like ortho-k may still benefit adults, especially if they have low to moderate myopia.