Myopia is one of the most common vision conditions in children today—and it’s on the rise. More than just needing glasses, progressive myopia can increase the risk of serious eye diseases later in life. At MPO Eyecare Optometry, Dr. Scott Lam is passionate about helping children and parents manage myopia effectively. With a focus on prevention and personalized care, we offer advanced treatment options to slow the progression of myopia and support lifelong eye health.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in difficulty seeing objects that are far away, such as road signs, classroom boards, or the television. Myopia typically begins in childhood and may progress as the eyes grow.
Regular pediatric eye exams are essential for early detection, as children may not always recognize or communicate that their vision is changing. Catching myopia early allows for timely intervention and more effective treatment to help slow its progression.
Myopia management is a proactive approach to slow the progression of nearsightedness. This is important not only to reduce the need for stronger glasses or contacts over time, but also to lower the risk of serious eye conditions later in life.
Individuals with high myopia are at increased risk for:
• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Myopic macular degeneration
At MPO Eyecare Optometry, we offer a range of effective solutions designed to slow the progression of myopia in children.
Ortho-K involves specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight. While your child sleeps, these lenses gently reshape the cornea, so they can enjoy clear vision throughout the day—no glasses or daytime contacts needed. Ortho-K is not only convenient but also clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia in children by controlling how light is focused in the eye. It’s a great option for active kids and those who prefer not to wear corrective lenses during the day.
Low-dose atropine eye drops are a safe, non-invasive treatment used to slow the advancement of myopia in children. Applied once nightly, these drops help reduce the rate at which the eye grows longer—a key factor in myopia progression. Atropine is often recommended for younger children or those who may not be ready for contact lenses.
Multifocal soft contact lenses provide clear vision at multiple distances while also addressing the underlying causes of myopia progression. Ideal for older children and teens who are comfortable wearing contacts during the day, multifocal lenses offer both functional vision correction and an added layer of protection for long-term eye health.
We are proud to serve families in Alhambra, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, and nearby areas with compassionate, personalized care. Our goal is to partner with parents to protect their children’s vision through early detection and customized treatment options.
Schedule a pediatric eye exam with MPO Eyecare Optometry to learn more about our myopia treatment options and find the best plan for your child’s vision. Contact our office in Alhambra, California, by calling (626) 323-8252 to book an appointment today.