Myopia Management for Kids in Crest Hill, IL

Getting your child glasses or contact lenses so they can see the board is one part of caring for their vision. Myopia management is a different kind of care. It addresses what's happening inside the eye rather than simply correcting what the child sees.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a structural condition in which the eye grows too long from front to back. Each time a child's prescription changes, the eye has elongated further. The longer it grows, the greater the lifetime risk of serious eye disease: retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. That risk exists whether the prescription is corrected with glasses or contacts.

Slowing the rate at which the eye grows means a lower final prescription and lower risk of the complications that come with high myopia.

Why the School Years Are the Best Time to Address Myopia Progression

Myopia typically begins between ages 6 and 12 and progresses fastest during childhood and adolescence, when the eye is still developing. A child who is mildly myopic at age 8 may have a much higher prescription by age 16 without intervention. The earlier management begins, the more progression can be avoided.

This is why we encourage families in Crest Hill and throughout Will County to bring children in for annual comprehensive exams, particularly once they're school-age. If we see a prescription increasing from year to year, that's the signal to have a conversation about management.

Myopia Management Options Available at Lumenis

Dr. Akbar works with each family to find the option that fits the child's age, lifestyle, and rate of progression.

MiSight® 1 Day is a daily disposable contact lens and the first FDA-approved lens designed specifically to slow myopia progression in children. It delivers a peripheral defocus signal that reduces the stimulus driving eye elongation, while the central zone provides normal clear vision. In clinical studies, MiSight slowed progression by approximately 59% compared to standard contact lenses. Because they're dailies, there's no cleaning routine to manage.

For children who aren't ready for contact lens wear, Essilor® Stellest® spectacle lenses accomplish similar goals. The H.A.L.T. technology built into the lens positions 1,021 precisely placed lens that create a growth-slowing signal at the periphery while the central zone provides clear, normal vision. Stellest slowed myopia progression by 71% on average over two years in clinical studies, and because they look like any ordinary pair of glasses, there's no change to the child's daily routine.

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, takes a different approach. Specially designed rigid lenses are worn only during sleep. They gently reshape the front surface of the cornea overnight so that when the child wakes up and removes them, they can see clearly throughout the day without glasses or contacts. Ortho-K has strong clinical evidence for slowing progression and is a popular choice for active kids involved in sports or swimming.

Low-dose atropine drops are a once-daily drop applied at bedtime. Clinical research shows they reduce the rate of myopia progression. They're often a good starting point for younger children who aren't ready for contacts, and they can be used alongside one of the other options for children who need more aggressive management.

When to Start Myopia Management for Your Child

There's no universal starting age. The decision is based on the child's current prescription, how much it has changed between exams, and their individual risk factors. In general, starting earlier means more progression can be avoided.

If your child has been told their prescription is getting stronger each year, that's worth a dedicated conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will myopia management mean my child doesn't need glasses anymore? 

No. The goal is to slow the rate at which the prescription increases and reduce the degree of myopia the child reaches as an adult. Lower myopia means lower risk of serious complications later in life.

Is it safe to put a child in contact lenses for myopia management? 

Yes, with proper fitting and instruction. MiSight is FDA-approved for children as young as 8, and Ortho-K has an established safety record for children as well. Dr. Akbar will evaluate whether your child is a good candidate based on their maturity, motivation, and ocular health.

How do I know if my child is progressing fast enough to warrant management? 

If your child's prescription has changed by -0.50 diopters or more in the past year, that's typically considered clinically significant progression and a good reason to discuss management. Dr. Akbar will review your child's history and give you a clear picture of what the trajectory suggests.

Can myopia management start if my child is already a teenager? 

Yes. While earlier is better, management started in adolescence still provides measurable benefit. The eye typically stabilizes in the early-to-mid 20s, so there is still meaningful progression to slow for a 13- or 14-year-old.

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Lumenis Eye Care & Wellness is located at 16151 Weber Road, Suite 103, Crest Hill, IL 60403. We offer myopia management consultations for children from Crest Hill, Plainfield, Romeoville, Joliet, and throughout Will County. Learn more at www.lumeniseyecare.com.

If your child's prescription has been changing at each visit, myopia management is worth discussing at the next appointment. Call or text (815) 863-8585, or email lumie@lumeniseyecare.com.