Myopia Management in Crest Hill, IL

Lumenis Eyecare & Wellness
Jun 5, 2025
3 min read

What is Myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is increasingly common, with nearly 50% of North Americans projected to be affected by 2030. It occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing distant objects to appear blurry.

Myopia can present as early as age three and often progresses as children grow. Early signs may be subtle and can go unnoticed—many children do not realize their vision is blurred, and parents may not observe obvious symptoms such as squinting or sitting close to screens. Increased screen usage and sedentary constant indoor time are modern challenges that can contribute to myopia progression.

Because myopia tends to progress more rapidly in younger children, early and regular pediatric eye exams are essential. Timely intervention can slow myopia progression and reduce the risk of vision‑threatening eye conditions later in life.

Myopia Can Affect Your Child’s Performance

Myopia can impact your child’s performance in school, sports, and other activities that rely on clear vision. Managing myopia progression early helps children perform at their full potential.

If you suspect your child may have myopia, contact our office to schedule a consultation—the first step toward protecting their visual health.

Learn More About Myopia Treatment Options

Orthokeratology

What is Orthokeratology?

Orthokeratology (Ortho‑K) is a non‑surgical vision correction and myopia management treatment that uses custom‑designed rigid gas‑permeable contact lenses worn overnight. While your child sleeps, these lenses gently reshape the front surface of the eye (the cornea). When the lenses are removed in the morning, your child can see clearly during the day without glasses or contact lenses, and the treatment also helps slow the progression of myopia.

Who may benefit from orthokeratology?

The primary benefit of orthokeratology is slowing the progression of your child’s myopia. It is also a great option for children who:

Want freedom from glasses or daytime contact lenses
Play sports or are very active
Have dry eye or allergies related to soft contacts
Dislike wearing glasses or contacts during the day

How long does it take to see results?

Vision improvement may begin after just one night. Full results typically develop over 1–4 weeks depending on your child’s myopia. Temporary blur early on is normal and usually resolves quickly.

Is orthokeratology safe?

Orthokeratology is FDA‑approved (since 2002) and considered safe, effective, and fully reversible when properly prescribed and monitored. As with any contact lens wear, proper cleaning and care are essential to reduce the risk of infection.Why families choose orthokeratology for myopia management

Helps slow myopia progression during the child’s critical growth years
Personalized and reversible treatment
No daytime glasses or contacts

Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses

What are Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses?

Unlike standard single-vision contact lenses, these soft multifocal contact lenses are specifically designed to help slow the progression of myopia in children, while also providing clear, comfortable vision throughout the day.

How do these soft contacts work?

These soft multifocal lenses are designed with special optical zones that correct distance vision while sending a gentle signal to the eye to slow excessive eye growth. Research has shown that this type of optical design can help slow the progression of myopia when worn consistently.

The lenses are worn during the day and removed at night, making them a great option for families who prefer not to use overnight treatments.

Who is a good candidate?

Soft multifocal contact lenses may be a good option for children who:

Prefer daytime contact lens wear
Are not candidates for orthokeratology
Have active schedules or play sports

During your child’s consultation, we will carefully evaluate eye growth, prescription, lifestyle, and maturity level to determine whether soft multifocal lenses are an appropriate choice.

Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

What is Low-Dose Atropine?

Low‑dose atropine is a prescription eye drop used once nightly to help slow myopia progression in children. It is an excellent option for younger children or for those who are not yet ready for contact lenses. Atropine can also be used preventively in children with high myopic risk factors or early signs of excessive eye growth, even before nearsightedness develops. It may be used on its own or combined with other myopia management treatments as part of a personalized plan to guide healthy eye growth.

Our Myopia Management Services

Protecting your child’s vision starts with slowing myopia progression. We work closely with your family to develop a treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Schedule an appointment with us if you are concerned about myopia management and your child’s eye health.

Myopia Resources from the American Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control, & the American Academy of Ophthalmology