Many parents are surprised when their child’s glasses prescription changes frequently, sometimes every year. Some parents start to worry that something is wrong and wonder if there is anything they can do about it. If your child’s vision keeps worsening, they may have a condition known as progressive myopia.  

In this blog, we discuss what progressive myopia is and how myopia management in Pittsburgh can help slow its progression. 

What is progressive myopia? 

Progressive myopia means a child’s nearsightedness continues to worsen over time, often requiring stronger glasses every year. This condition usually begins in early childhood and can lead to high myopia. High myopia is a more severe form of nearsightedness that increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.  

Research shows that the younger a child develops myopia, the more quickly it can progress. And the faster it progresses, the higher the prescription tends to become.  

Along with the eye health risks, progressive myopia can also place a financial burden on families who need frequent pediatric eye exams and updated glasses for children. Managing myopia early on can help protect your child’s long-term vision and reduce these ongoing challenges. 

How to slow myopia progression 

Several interventions, such as ortho-k and multifocal contact lenses, have proven effective in decreasing the number of prescription changes needed.  

Ortho-k (orthokeratology) 

Ortho-k lenses are specially designed contact lenses that your child wears overnight. While they sleep, the lenses gently reshape the cornea, allowing them to see clearly the next day without glasses or contacts. Ortho-k isn’t just convenient; it’s clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia in children. 

Multifocal contact lenses 

Multifocal contact lenses are worn during the day and help slow myopia progression by distributing light more evenly across the retina. This method is easy to incorporate into daily life and is often a good option for kids who are comfortable wearing contact lenses. 

Supporting your child’s eye health at home 

In addition to professional treatments, there are small changes you can encourage at home to support your child’s vision: 

• Encourage outdoor play for at least 1–2 hours a day 
• Limit screen time and promote regular breaks from close-up tasks 
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients that support eye health 
• Keep up with regular eye exams even if you haven’t noticed any vision issues 

Don’t let their vision continue to worsen

The earlier myopia is detected and managed, the better the outcome is. Slowing the progression now can greatly reduce your child’s risk of developing serious eye health issues later in life.  

At Pittsburgh Primary Eyecare, we provide myopia management for children, including effective treatments such as ortho-k and multifocal lenses. Our myopia management specialist, Dr. Erinn Tolomei, will customize each treatment plan based on your child’s needs, age, and lifestyle. Give us a call today to learn more, or you can book an exam using our online appointment scheduler.