Myopia Management For Kids in Tacoma

Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eye grows longer than normal, which causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of on the retina. This creates nearsightedness symptoms: meaning your child can see things clearly up close, but objects far away look blurry.

Why is this important?
Children who develop myopia early in life tend to get worse. We now have treatments available. When not treated early, your child’s vision can continue to worsen as their eyes grow. Over time, this increases the risk of serious eye problems in adulthood, like glaucoma or retinal damage.

At Tacoma Eye at Westgate, our office staff is trained in myopia management – treatments that can slow the progression of nearsightedness as your children grow.

Myopia is on the Rise

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called myopia an epidemic, with cases increasing worldwide. In the U.S., about 42% of people are nearsighted, which is a 66% increase since the 1970s.

Genetics play a big role – if both parents are nearsighted, their children are much more likely to be, too. However, lifestyle factors like more screen time and less outdoor play have been linked to the rise in myopia.

Treatments Include

An accurate pair of prescription glasses – Annual exams are advised at a minimum.
Stellest Lenses (FDA approved in 2025) have been shown to reduce the progression of myopia.
BiFocal Contact lenses, like the FDA-approved MiSight contact lenses, can help as well.
Orthokeratology with a trained specialist can reduce or eliminate a dependence on eyeglasses without surgery.
Low-dose Atropine eyedrops have proven to be effective and can be even MORE effective when combined with other treatments above.

(These options are only offered to patients enrolled in Tacoma Eye’s Myopia Program)

What can parents/guardians do NOW to help their children?

A complete eye exam with dilation between Kindergarten and First grade. Even if the child has no symptoms. Most kids don’t know that they need glasses.
If Eyeglasses are prescribed, wear them! Get annual eye exams to be sure the prescription is current.
DRAMATICALLY Reduce screen time & device time.
Get Outside! Between 1 and 1.5 hours of Outside play every day can reduce a child’s risk of developing myopia by 50%