Myopia Managementin Boston, MA

Myopia management slows the progression of nearsightedness by moderating the eye's elongation, while standard vision correction simply corrects the symptoms of myopia to provide clear vision. At Nielsen Eye Center, we have several treatment options to help with myopia management, including atropine eye drops, which can slow the abnormal growth of the eye, and multifocal soft contact lenses, which change how the light focuses on the eye and stop the stimulus for abnormal eye growth.

At Nielsen Eye Center, our team offers two different forms of myopia management: atropine drops and multifocal soft contact lenses. They both help to prevent the abnormal growth of the eye and slow the progression of myopia. When your child comes in for a consultation with one of our eye doctors, they will provide you with the best treatment options for your child's needs.

Good candidates for myopia management are typically children and teens between the ages of 5 and 16, as it is best to start management as soon as possible. Candidates may also have a family history of myopia, have overall good eye health, and have seen an increase in their prescription year after year. Spending plenty of time on digital devices or doing close-up work can also make myopia management a good idea as well.

Yes, like any treatment, myopia management therapies can come with side effects. With astropine eye drops, these effects can include temporary blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and stinging. For multifocal contact lenses, possible side effects can include discomfort, dryness, redness, and infection. Our team at Nielsen Eye Center will give you the information you need during your appointment to ensure you know what to do if these side effects show up.

Follow-up visits are recommended every six months, especially in the first year of treatment. This ensures that if any adjustments need to be made to treatment, you already have an appointment on the books to bring up any concerns your child is having with their eyes.

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long from front to back, or the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry. While genetics play a big role - children with nearsighted parents are at higher risk - environmental factors like increased "near work" (tablets and books) and less time outdoors are major contributors to the modern myopia epidemic.

Myopia isn't just about needing stronger glasses; it’s about protecting your child’s future sight. Rapidly progressing myopia can lead to High Myopia, which significantly increases the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, including: Retinal Detachment, Glaucoma, Early-Onset Cataracts, and Macular Degeneration: By slowing the elongation of the eye now, the team at Nielsen Eye Center helps reduce these risks and ensures your child has better vision for a lifetime.

Children and young adults (typically ages 6 to 21) whose nearsightedness is progressively worsening are the best candidates. If you notice your child’s prescription is changing every year, or if they are squinting to see the board at school, it’s time for a consultation. Our specialists will determine the best path based on your child's age, lifestyle, and rate of progression.

At Nielsen Eye Center, we don’t just prescribe stronger "minus" lenses. We use evidence-based treatments designed to slow down eye growth, which may include: MiSight® 1-day contact lenses: The first FDA-approved soft contacts to slow myopia progression. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed hard lenses worn only at night to reshape the cornea while your child sleeps. Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose medicated drops that have been shown to effectively signal the eye to slow its growth. Specialized Peripheral Defocus Spectacles.

Absolutely. We advocate for a "holistic" approach alongside clinical treatment. We recommend: The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce digital eye strain. Outdoor Time: Aim for at least 90–120 minutes of outdoor light daily, which has been proven to help regulate eye growth. Proper Lighting: Ensure study areas are well-lit and screens are kept at a "Harmon’s distance" (about the distance from the elbow to the knuckles).