What is myopia, and why is it increasing in children?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes distant objects blurry while close-up vision stays clear. In most children it happens because the eye grows slightly too long from front to back — a process called axial elongation — or because the cornea is too curved, so light focuses in front of the retina instead of on it.
Genetics play a role, but lifestyle has become a major factor. Children spend more time focused up close on screens, books and homework and less time outdoors, and research links limited outdoor exposure and prolonged near work to progressive myopia. We are seeing more children develop myopia earlier and progress faster than ever before.
Why does slowing myopia matter?
A higher prescription isn't just thicker glasses. Greater eye elongation and higher levels of myopia are associated with increased lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, myopic macular degeneration and cataracts. Standard glasses and contacts correct the blur but do nothing to slow the eye's growth. Myopia management has a second purpose: slowing progression during childhood to reduce those long-term risks.
What myopia-control treatments do you offer?
Treatment is tailored to each child or teen based on their age, degree of myopia, daily habits and readiness for contact lenses. Options include:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): custom gas-permeable lenses worn overnight gently and temporarily reshape the cornea, so your child sees clearly all day without glasses or daytime contacts. Ortho-K has been clinically shown to slow myopia progression and suits active kids and athletes.
- Daily soft myopia-control contact lenses: single-use daily lenses such as MiSight 1 day use specially designed optical zones to correct nearsightedness while reducing the signal that drives eye growth. Comfortable and easy to adapt to for children ready for daytime contacts.
- Low-dose atropine eye drops: a prescription drop, typically used at night, that helps relax the eye's focusing system and slow progression when used consistently. A simple option for children who aren't ready for contact lenses.
- Myopia-control spectacle lenses: specialized lens designs (such as DIMS or HALT) that provide clear vision while creating controlled areas of focus that help signal the eye to slow its growth. We'll discuss whether they fit your child's plan.
How do you decide which option is right for my child?
It starts with a comprehensive pediatric exam and a myopia consultation. Dr. Domiano reviews how quickly your child's prescription has changed, measures their eyes, and talks through the practical side — sports, screen habits, how comfortable they are handling lenses. For children whose myopia is progressing quickly, treatments can be combined. Regular follow-up visits track how the eyes respond and let us adjust the plan as your child grows.
Healthy habits that support myopia control
Daily routines matter alongside treatment:
- Aim for about two hours outdoors each day — research links more daylight exposure with lower myopia risk. Sports, walks and outdoor play all count.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule during homework and screen time: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Use good lighting, keep a comfortable reading distance and build in regular breaks from close work.
- Watch for warning signs: squinting at the board or TV, sitting closer to screens, eye rubbing or complaints of blurry distance vision.
- Keep annual eye exams so changes are caught before the prescription jumps.
Myopia management in Old Forge, Clarks Summit and the Scranton area
If your child's distance vision is getting blurrier or their prescription keeps increasing, don't wait for the next annual visit. Schedule a myopia consultation at our Old Forge or Clarks Summit office and we'll build a plan to protect your child's sight — now and for the decades ahead. Families throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania trust us to guide these decisions.
Frequently asked questions
- Why does my child's myopia keep getting worse?
- Myopia tends to progress as a child's eyes grow. When the eye becomes too elongated, distance vision gets blurrier and the prescription increases. Myopia-control treatments are designed to slow that growth.
- Can regular glasses slow myopia progression?
- No. Standard glasses and contacts correct blurry distance vision but don't slow the eye's growth. Myopia management treatments — Ortho-K, myopia-control soft lenses, low-dose atropine and specialty spectacle lenses — have the additional purpose of slowing progression.
- When should we consider myopia management?
- As soon as your child is diagnosed with myopia, and especially if their prescription keeps increasing year over year. Earlier intervention gives us more years to slow progression during the growing period.
- What is Ortho-K?
- Orthokeratology uses custom-fit gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. Your child removes them in the morning and sees clearly all day without glasses or daytime contacts, and the effect also helps slow myopia progression.
- How much outdoor time helps with myopia?
- Around two hours outside each day is a useful goal. Research links more outdoor daylight exposure with a lower risk of developing myopia.
Ready when you are
Book a visit at either office
Request an appointment online, or call the office closest to you — we're happy to help with insurance questions before your visit.